SERUM INDICES OF BROILER CHICKS FED TOASTED AFRICAN YAM BEAN (SPHENOSTYLIS STENOCARPA) SEEDS (AYBS) SUPPLEMENTED WITH PROTEASE ENZYME

Abstract

A total of 200 day old broiler chicks marshal® strain were purchased at Obasanjo Farms Nigeria limited, Igboora branch, Oyo state. 195 broiler chicks were used for the study. Blood serum indices of broiler chicks fed toasted African yam bean (sphenostylis stenocarpa) seeds (AYBS) supplemented with protease enzyme was investigated. Raw African yam bean seeds were obtained from Bodija market, Ibadan North local government, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and was toasted between 3-5 minutes by using. frying pan (74.5cm by 38cm). Five treatments were formulated with various levels of toasted African yam bean seeds and enzyme was supplemented at the rate of 150 g/ 1000 kg of feed. Experimental broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five experimental treatments with 39 birds per treatmeni, replicated three times with 13 birds per replicate ina Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Experimental feed and water were given at ad-libitum from day old, till five weeks of the experimental period. Blood was collected by using disposable needle and syringe into the bottle that had no EDTA between 8-10 am and kept inside cooler that already contained ice block and transferred to the laboratory for serum assay. There were no significant (P<0.05) differences between total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, creatinine except albumin globulin ratio that significantly (p> 0.05) affected , toasted African yam bean seeds with protease enzyme supplementation is recommended as an alternative protein source to soybean meal (conventional plant protein source) and can be used up to 40% inclusion level. Further level of inclusion should be considered in broiler chicks diets.