Blood chemistry, haematology, carcass characteristics and organ weight of finisher broilers fed breadfruit (Treculia africana) hull (BFH) in their diet

Blood chemistry, haematology, relative carcass and organ weights of finisher broilers feed breadfruit hull (BFH) as replacement for palm kernel cake and wheat bran were studied. Sixty-three, 4 weeks old Marshal Broilers were divided into 3 groups of 21 birds, and each group replicated thrice. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomised design designated T1 (0 %), T2 (5 %) and T3 (10 %). Blood samples for analysis, live weight, organ weight and carcass weight were obtained from each replicate and data obtained analysed statistically. BFH was found to be a good source of protein (7/100 g), fibre (38.5/100 g) and minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, phosphorous and calcium). Results indicated that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between birds on diet T1 and T2 in weight gain and carcass weights. Birds on diet T3 recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher weights of liver, gizzard and abdominal fat than those on other diets. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the white blood cell count, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration values in all groups, but red blood cell count and packed cell volume of birds on diet T3 were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. Urea value was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for T3 than others, while protein and glucose values decreased with increasing dietary BFH. BFH is a suitable substitute for palm kernel cake and wheat bran in broiler finisher diet at inclusion level not beyond 5 % for best live and carcass weight yield and blood characteristics.