HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF BROILER FED WITH THREE COMMONLY USED COMMERCIAL STARTER FEEDS IN WUKARI, TARABA STATE NIGERIA.
The quality of commercial starter feeds is critical for the health and productivity of broiler chickens, yet the consistency of these feeds across different brands in Nigeria remains a concern. This study was conducted to evaluate the haematological and serum biochemical profile of broiler chickens fed three commonly used commercial starter feeds in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of ninety- nine (99) day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (labelled T1, T2 and T3), each representing one of the three commercial starter feeds, in a completely randomized design. The trial lasted for six weeks, during which feed and water were provided ad libitum. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected from two birds per treatment for the determination of haematological parameters including packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and differentials, as well as some serum biochemical indices like bilirubin and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP). Haematological results showed that birds fed T1 and T3 had significantly higher (P<0.05) packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cell (RBC) counts compared to T2, indicating better physiological status and oxygen-carrying capacity. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were also higher in T3, suggesting improved immune response. Serum biochemical analysis indicated that T1 supported better liver function, with lower ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels compared to T2 and T3. Overall, the study demonstrates that variations in feed quality significantly influence the health and physiological performance of broiler chickens.
Keywords: Broiler, Commercial starter feeds, Haematology, Serum biochemistry, Wukari
