Evaluation of maize–sorghum mixture based diets supplemented with exogenous enzyme on growth response, haematology and serum biochemical indices of starter broiler chickens

Abstract

Poultry diets are largely composed of plant based materials that hold non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). The inclusion of NSP rich ingredients often reduces feed cost, but hampers a proper digestion due to anti-nutritional factors (ANF). Against this background, potency of exogenous enzymes was evaluated to upgrade dietary energy and total protein. A total of 180 broiler chickens were used in 28 days feeding trial. Six experimental diets were formulated in which maize based diet served as control (T1). Maize in the control diet was replaced by sorghum at the levels of 20% (T2), 40% (T3), 60% (T4), 80% (T5), and 100% (T6), respectively. Besides the control diet every other dietary groups were supplemented with enzyme at the rate of 50g/100kg. The broiler chicks were weighed and allotted to six dietary treatments of 30 birds each. The groups were replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The parameters determined for growth performance include: Final weight (g), Weight gain (g/bird), Daily weight gain (g/bird), Feed intake (g/bird), Daily feed intake (g/bird) and Feed conversion ratio (FCR). The result showed significant (p<0.05) effect on total feed intake and daily feed intake. Final weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. Birds fed 60% (T4), 80% (T5) and 100% sorghum (T6) with enzyme supplementation showed higher similar statistical values 1365.00g, 1373.33g and 1373.66g, respectively for total feed intake. Haematological parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by dietary treatments. Maize-sorghum based diet with enzyme supplementation had significant (p<0.05) effect on total protein, albumin and uric acid. Birds fed diets with 80% (T5) and 100% T6 sorghum levels with enzyme supplementation showed higher (p<0.05) statistical values 4.10 and 3.66 g/dl for total protein. Inclusion of sorghum up to 100% replacement level for maize with enzyme supplementation could be fed to starter broiler chicks for improved growth performance without adverse effect.