Impact of kaolin on growth performance, haematological and some serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of kaolin on the growth performance, haematological indices and some serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens. A total of 261 ‘Anak strain’ mix sexed of day-old chicks of broiler chickens at two weeks of age were allotted to 4 dietary treatments in a completely randomized experimental design with 6 replicates of 9 birds each. Dietary treatments at both the starter phase at 14 days old up to 28 days old age and treatment at the finisher phase at 28 days old up to 56 days old age included:0 g/kg ration, 5 g/kg ration, 10 g/kg ration and 15 g/kg ration. The results of the weekly feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio showed that weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio improved (P < 0.05) in favor of the treatment groups. In overall and daily performance of the birds, feed intake and weight gain were higher (P < 0.05) in the treatment group than in the control group. However, serum biochemical and haematological indices investigated among the treatments were not significant (P > 0.05). It was recommended that up to 5-15% kaolin can be safely included in rations for improved performance in broiler production.