EFFECT OF SOAKED AND FERMENTED AFRICAN LOCUST BEAN (Parkia biglobosa) SEED MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) seed is rich in protein and has recently found its way into the feed industry. This research was conducted to determine the growth performance, haematological profile and nutrient digestibility by broiler chickens fed diets containing soaked and fermented African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) seed meal (SFALBSM). Five diets were formulated in which SFALSBM was included at graded levels of 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30% designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Two hundred and twenty five (225) day old broiler chickens (Marshall Strain) were fed these diets in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated three times with 15 birds per replicate. The experiment lasted 8 weeks (4week starter phase and 4week finisher phase). The results of performance of broiler chicks at starter phase showed there were differences (P<0.05) in final body weight (734.25 - 937.81 g) and total weight gain of birds (679.13 -898.31 g). T3 had the highest body gain compared to other treatments. Similarly, final body weight of broilers at finisher revealed that birds fed T3 and T4 (2786.14 g and 2686.14 g) were higher (P<0.05) than those fed other diets. Birds fed T5 had the lowest value (2312.73g). There were differences (P<0.05) in the feed conversion ratio (3.26 - 4.55) and feed cost per kilogram gain (222.33 - 316.70 N/kg gain). The best feed conversion ratio was observed on birds fed T3 diet. The results of blood analysis showed that there were differences (P < 0.05) in the packed cell volume (23.33 - 27.67 %), total glucose (129.22 - 161.01 mmol/l), and red blood cell (3.30 - 4.29 X106/l).  There were no effect (P >0.05) on digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ash. The crude fibre, ether extract and nitrogen free extract digestibility were affected by treatments (P<0.05). Birds fed T3 had highest crude fibre digestibility value (P<0.05). It was concluded that soaked and fermented African locust bean seed meal can be included in broiler chickens diets up to 15% dietary level at the starter phase and 22.5% at the finisher phase without any adverse effect on performance, haematological profile and nutrient digestibility.