Effect of Feeding Different Level of Dietary Energy Feeds on the Haematological Parameters of Marshall Broiler Chicken in Hot Dry Season

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to determine the effect of feeding different dietary energy levels on the haematological parameters of Marshall Broiler chickens during the hot dry period in semi-arid environment late. A total of 200 broiler chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups replicated 5 times with 10 birds per replicate and 50 birds per treatment. Four experimental diets were prepared containing 2,800(T1), 2,900(T2), 3000(T3) and 3100 (T4) kcal/kg of ME with iso crude protein of 21%. Each experimental diet were fed to the birds for a period of 8 weeks. Haematological parameters test were also carried out with 5 birds per treatment and the result of (PCV) Packed cell volume, (Hb) Haemoglobin, T1 and T2 (WBC) White Blood cells and T2, T3 and T4 monocytes) were all found within the normal range. However, the result of Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular cell volume (MCH), Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocytes were found to be above the normal range, while that of (RBC) Red blood cells  ,heterophil,T3, T4 WBC and T1 monocytes were found below the normal range. Basophil and eosinophil were not found in blood circulation in all of the treatments. The result also showed that high energy diet (3000-3100kcal/ME) should be fed to Marshall Broiler bird at both starter and finisher phase in hot season of semi-arid Sokoto for optimum performance.