UTILIZATION OF WHOLE SWEET POTATO TUBER FLOUR AS BLOOD AND SEMEN GLUCOSE ENHANCER IN COMMERCIAL COCKS

Abstract

Utilization of tuber crops as non-conventional feedstuffs in poultry nutrition has been the focus of some researchers in the tropics. However, there is little or no documentation on the influence of whole sweet potato tuber flour (WSPTF) on blood and semen glucose hence, this study was conducted. Twenty sexually matured commercial cocks at 13months old, weighing about 2.5kg were fed 0.0%, 10.0%, 15.0% and 20.0% WSPTF for eight weeks. Serum biochemical indices and semen quality were examined and the results indicated that triglyceride, cholesterol and creatinine levels varied from 0.0840.03 to 2.1 3+0.24¢/dl, 1.6740.05 to 2.4340. 08g/dl and 44.1+0.04 to 44.2+0.03g/dl in that order. It was observed that blood and semen glucose levels were seemingly enhanced by the test ingredient. The sperm cells count value which ranged from 117,244.53 X 10° (T,) to 154.749.79 X 10° (T. ') was not dependent on the testis weight which was highest (13.441.73g) in T, (0.0%WSPTE) treatment and lowest (7. 9+£1.0g) in T, (20.0% WSPTE). Even if the parameters evaluated were somewhat distorted, it was in an irregular trend and there was no evidence of adverse physiological effect of the test ingredient on the cocks. Thus, WSPTF may be used as a supplement in diets meant for cocks, to boost glucose bioavailability in the system, in order to improve the reproductive performance.