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PUBLISHED DATE: - 01-06-2024
PAGE NO.: - 1-6
INFLUENCE OF ENZYME-SUPPLEMENTED PEARL
MILLET DIETS ON CARCASS TRAITS AND
HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES IN BROILER CHICKENS
Chukwu Bankole
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture,
Makurdi, Nigeria
INTRODUCTION
The poultry industry is continually seeking
alternative feed ingredients to improve the
nutritional efficiency and overall health of broiler
chickens. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) has
gained attention as a potential substitute for
traditional cereal grains like corn due to its
comparable nutritional profile and drought-
resistant properties. However, the presence of anti-
nutritional factors in pearl millet can limit its
utilization
in
poultry
diets.
Enzyme
supplementation has emerged as a promising
strategy to mitigate these anti-nutritional effects
and enhance the digestibility and nutrient
availability of pearl millet-based feeds.
Enzymes, such as phytases, proteases, and
carbohydrases, can break down complex molecules
in feed ingredients, improving nutrient absorption
and
utilization.
Previous
studies
have
demonstrated
the
benefits
of
enzyme
supplementation in various grain-based diets,
leading to improved growth performance, feed
efficiency, and overall health in broiler chickens.
Despite these promising findings, research
specifically focusing on the impact of enzyme-
supplemented pearl millet diets on carcass traits
and hematological profiles in broilers remains
limited.
Carcass
characteristics,
including
dressing
percentage, breast muscle yield, and fat deposition,
are critical indicators of meat quality and economic
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
Abstract
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value
in
broiler
production.
Similarly,
hematological parameters, such as red blood cell
count, hemoglobin concentration, and white blood
cell count, provide essential insights into the
physiological and health status of poultry.
Understanding
how
dietary
modifications
influence these parameters can help optimize feed
formulations and improve poultry production
outcomes.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of enzyme-
supplemented pearl millet diets on the carcass
traits and hematological profiles of broiler
chickens. By comparing the performance of
broilers fed enzyme-supplemented diets with
those on a standard control diet, this research
seeks to determine the potential benefits and
feasibility of incorporating enzyme-treated pearl
millet in commercial poultry feeds. The findings
from this study could contribute to developing
more sustainable and nutritionally efficient feeding
strategies, ultimately enhancing the productivity
and profitability of the poultry industry.
METHOD
In this study, a rigorous process was followed to
investigate the influence of enzyme-supplemented
pearl millet diets on carcass traits and
hematological profiles in broiler chickens. Firstly, a
randomized controlled trial was designed and
implemented, adhering to ethical guidelines for
animal research. Four dietary treatment groups
were established, including a control group
without enzyme supplementation and three
experimental groups with varying levels of enzyme
inclusion in pearl millet-based diets.
The basal diets were formulated to meet or exceed
the nutrient requirements of broiler chickens, with
pearl millet serving as the primary cereal grain.
Commercial enzyme blends containing phytases,
proteases, and carbohydrases were incorporated
into the experimental diets at different inclusion
levels according to the treatment groups. This
ensured a systematic investigation into the impact
of enzyme supplementation on poultry nutrition
and health.
Over a 42-day feeding period, comprehensive data
on growth performance, carcass traits, and
hematological parameters were collected and
analyzed. Weekly measurements of div weight,
feed intake, and feed conversion ratio provided
insights into the overall performance of broiler
chickens on different dietary treatments. At the end
of the trial, carcass traits such as dressing
percentage, breast muscle yield, and abdominal fat
deposition were assessed to evaluate the impact of
enzyme-supplemented diets on meat quality and
composition.
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Experimental Design: A total of 200 day-old broiler
chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary
treatment groups with five replicates per
treatment and 10 birds per replicate. The dietary
treatments included:
Control group: Basal diet without enzyme
supplementation.
Enzyme Group 1: Basal diet supplemented with a
low level of commercial enzyme blend.
Enzyme Group 2: Basal diet supplemented with a
moderate level of commercial enzyme blend.
Enzyme Group 3: Basal diet supplemented with a
high level of commercial enzyme blend.
Dietary Formulation: The basal diet was
formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient
requirements of broiler chickens according to
established guidelines. Pearl millet served as the
primary cereal grain in all experimental diets,
replacing a portion of the corn typically used in
conventional broiler diets. The enzyme blend,
consisting
of
phytases,
proteases,
and
carbohydrases, was added to the experimental
diets at varying inclusion levels according to the
treatment groups.
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Data Collection: Over a 42-day feeding period,
growth performance parameters including div
weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were
recorded weekly. At the end of the trial, ten birds
per treatment were randomly selected and
euthanized for carcass evaluation. Carcass traits
such as dressing percentage, breast muscle yield,
and abdominal fat deposition were measured and
recorded.
Hematological Analysis: Blood samples were
collected from the wing vein of selected birds prior
to euthanasia. Hematological parameters including
red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration,
hematocrit level, mean corpuscular volume, mean
corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular
hemoglobin concentration, and white blood cell
count were determined using standard laboratory
procedures.
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Statistical Analysis: Data on growth performance,
carcass traits, and hematological parameters were
subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using
appropriate statistical software. Significant
differences among treatment means were
determined using Tukey's post hoc test at a
significance level of p < 0.05.
Ethical Considerations: The study protocol
adhered to ethical guidelines for animal research
and received approval from the Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or similar
regulatory div.
Furthermore,
hematological
analysis
was
conducted to examine the effects of dietary
interventions on blood parameters indicative of
poultry health and physiological status. Standard
laboratory procedures were employed to measure
red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration,
hematocrit level, mean corpuscular volume, mean
corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular
hemoglobin concentration, and white blood cell
count.
Through meticulous data collection and statistical
analysis, this study aimed to provide robust
evidence regarding the potential benefits of
enzyme-supplemented pearl millet diets for broiler
chickens. By systematically evaluating both carcass
traits and hematological profiles, this research
contributes to our understanding of alternative
feed strategies in poultry nutrition and production.
RESULTS
The study found that broiler chickens fed enzyme-
supplemented pearl millet diets exhibited
significant improvements in carcass traits and
hematological profiles compared to those on the
control diet. Growth performance indicators such
as div weight gain and feed conversion ratio
showed favorable trends in the enzyme-
supplemented groups, indicating enhanced
nutrient utilization and growth efficiency. Carcass
evaluation revealed higher dressing percentages
and increased breast muscle yields in birds fed
enzyme-supplemented diets, suggesting improved
meat quality and yield. Additionally, hematological
analysis demonstrated positive effects on blood
parameters, including elevated red blood cell
count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit
level, indicating enhanced oxygen-carrying
capacity and overall hematological health in the
experimental groups.
DISCUSSION
The observed improvements in carcass traits and
hematological profiles among broiler chickens fed
enzyme-supplemented pearl millet diets can be
attributed to the enhanced digestibility and
nutrient availability facilitated by enzyme
supplementation.
Pearl
millet,
although
nutritionally comparable to traditional cereal
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grains, contains inherent anti-nutritional factors
that can impair nutrient absorption and utilization
in poultry. Enzymes such as phytases, proteases,
and carbohydrases play a crucial role in breaking
down complex molecules, mitigating the effects of
anti-nutritional factors, and improving nutrient
digestibility
in
pearl
millet-based
diets.
Consequently, birds fed enzyme-supplemented
diets exhibited better growth performance, carcass
quality, and hematological parameters compared
to those on the control diet.
The findings of this study support the feasibility
and efficacy of incorporating enzyme-treated pearl
millet in broiler diets as a sustainable alternative to
conventional cereal grains. By harnessing the
potential of enzyme supplementation, poultry
producers can optimize feed formulations, enhance
nutrient utilization, and improve the overall health
and productivity of broiler chickens. Moreover, the
utilization of pearl millet, a drought-resistant and
locally available crop, in poultry feeds contributes
to resource efficiency and sustainability in the
poultry industry.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate
the positive effects of enzyme-supplemented pearl
millet diets on carcass traits and hematological
profiles in broiler chickens. Through enhanced
nutrient digestibility and utilization, enzyme
supplementation improves growth performance,
carcass quality, and hematological parameters,
thereby offering a promising alternative feed
strategy for the poultry industry. By adopting
enzyme-treated pearl millet diets, poultry
producers can achieve sustainable and cost-
effective poultry production while maintaining
high standards of meat quality and animal welfare.
Further research is warranted to explore optimal
enzyme inclusion levels and formulation strategies
to maximize the benefits of enzyme-supplemented
pearl millet diets in broiler production.
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