Effects of Feeding Unripe Plantain Peel Meal on Haematological Parameters and Serum Bio-Chemicals of Growing Broilers

Joseph Olowo Arogbodo, Festus Igbe, Isaac Adebayo — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Plantain peel has been reported to be rich in minerals and high in energy. These potentials have qualified it to be a research focus as a non-conventional energy source for the preparation of feed for broilers. It was on this background that this experiment was conducted for 6 weeks with eighty-four (84) day old broiler chicks. They were grouped into treatments and replicates at 2 weeks having attained an average weight range of 325.56±2.70 to 329.90±10.06 g to assess the effects of 0, 5, 10, and 20% maize replaced by unripe plantain peel meal (UPPM) in the chickens’ diet on their haematological parameters and serum bio-chemicals. The birds were assigned to each of the treatments replicated three times to contain seven birds per replicate using a completely randomized design (CRD). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the haematological parameters viz; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes, heterophils, monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils. The treatment significantly influenced liver function enzymes, high-density lipoprotein, and some metabolites (p < 0.05). ALP increased following an increase in the inclusion of UPPM in the diets but was within the normal recommended range. Cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides were highest in the control; suggesting their serum lowering potential by UPPM which may translate to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. The antioxidant assays revealed an upward rise in superoxide dismutase (SOD) following an increased percentage inclusion of UPPM. Following the outcome of this study, the recommendation of further research on UPPM in broilers’ nutrition was made. This may eventually lead to the discovery of a novel natural source of antidyslipidaemic, antihypercholesterolemic, and antioxidant agents from UPPM.

Journal of Basic and Applied Pharmacology

Effects of Feeding Unripe Plantain Peel Meal on Haematological Parameters and Serum Bio-Chemicals of Growing Broilers