Effect of supplemented dietary protein on certain haematological values and meat yield characteristics of broiler birds

Abstract

The effect of different levels of supplemented dietary protein on body weight, certain haematological values and meat yield characteristics in 20 "Shaver Star Bro" broilers was studied during the period from 02 March to 12 April 2002. The broilers were randomly assigned to four equal groups (A to D) each consisting of 5 birds. Group A was considered as control, fed only with commercial ration and other three groups were treated with extra dietary protein supplement @ 5%, 10% and 15% as group B, C and D respectively. Increased body weight was recorded in group B and the body weight decreases as the level of protein increased from 5% to 10% and 15% and the decrease was linear. No differences in haematological values were observed among the groups but the TEC varied significantly (p < 0.05). The mean weight of breast meat, drum stick meat varied significantly (p < 0.01). The shank weight varied significantly (p < 0.05) but there was no significant difference among the mean weight of thigh meat and wing meat corresponding to the different levels of supplemented dietary protein. It can be concluded that 5% supplemented dietary protein with commercial ration gives better result in respect to body weight gain, haematological values and meat yield characteristics.Key words: dietary protein; haematological values; meat yield; broiler birdsdoi: 10.3329/bjvm.v2i2.2543Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2004). 2 (2): 121-123