Response of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Differently Processed Bambara Groundnut Offal
A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of differently processed bambara groundnut offal (BGO) on the performance, carcass traits, haematology, and lipid profile of broiler chickens. A total of 150 day-old Abor Acre broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with three replicates of 10 birds each in a Completely Randomised Design. The diets consisted of: T1 (control, 0% BGO), T2 (10% toasted BGO), T3 (10% raw BGO), T4 (10% boiled and sundried BGO), and T5 (10% raw BGO + enzyme), with soybean meal partially replaced as the protein source. Birds were fed and watered ad libitum under standard management conditions. Results indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in growth performance across treatments. At the starter phase, birds on T5 (raw BGO + enzyme) recorded the highest body weight (737.65 g) and best feed conversion ratio (2.68), followed by T2 (toasted BGO). During the finisher phase, T3 (raw BGO) yielded the highest body weight (1488.56 g), while T2 (toasted BGO) followed closely (1312.13 g). Carcass traits such as thigh, drumstick, and back cut varied significantly, with T2 exhibiting the highest dressing percentage (69.19%). Among organ weights, only spleen weight showed significant differences. Haematological indices, including PCV, Hb, WBC, MCH, and MCHC, varied significantly, with T3 and T1 showing superior values. Lipid profile analysis revealed differences in cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels, with T4 and T5 showing higher values for cholesterol and HDL, respectively. In conclusion, raw BGO supplemented with an enzyme improved growth, FCR, and lipid profile without adverse health effects, indicating its potential as a sustainable alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets. Heat processing is also beneficial to reduce anti-nutritional factors, provided nutrient losses are minimised.
Keywords: broiler chickens, bambara groundnut offal, enzyme supplementation, growth performance, lipid profile
