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GROWTH RESPONSE, HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PROFILES OF FINISHER BROILERS FED VARYING LEVELS OF CALOCYBE INDICA SUPPLEMENT (CIS)

. Onu, Ernest O., Ugwu, Chekwube M. ,Anizoba, Nnenna W., Nwankwo Osita P., Onu, Martina C., Ozioko, Nkemdilim. S. and Jirgba Eugene Tivfa


Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of different levels of Calocybe indica supplement on the growth traits, haematological indices, and serum biochemical profiles of finisher broilers. A total of 120 Cobb 500 day-old chicks were utilized and randomly distributed into four dietary groups: T1 (control), T2 (0.5% Calocybe indica supplement), T3 (1.0% Calocybe indica supplement), and T4 (1.5% Calocybe indica supplement). Each treatment had five replicates, with six birds per replicate. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Data on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, hematological, and serum biochemical indices were analyzed using analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. The results indicated that birds in T3 group (1.0% Calocybe indica supplement) exhibited the highest weight gain of 1.66±0.04 kg, which significantly (p < 0.05) surpasses the other treatment groups. Hematological analysis revealed that dietary CIS significantly (p < 0.05) improved Packed Cell Volume, Red Blood Cell count, and hemoglobin levels. In terms of serum biochemical indices, Calocybe indica supplement significantly (p < 0.05) reduced cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels, while significantly (p < 0.05) increasing high-density lipoprotein and total protein levels. The findings revealed that Calocybe indica supplement improved growth traits and enhanced hematological and serum biochemical profiles in broiler chickens. In conclusion, incorporating Calocybe indica supplement at an optimal level of 1.0% in broiler diets improves weight gain, supports erythropoiesis, and enhances overall meat quality.

Key: Broiler, Calocybe indica, Growth, Haematology, Serum biochemistry

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