Nutrient Retention and Haematological Indices of Broiler Starters Fed Lablab Seed Meal as the Source of Protein

Abstract

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of feeding diets containing lablab seed meal (LSM) to replace groundnut cake (GNC) or full fat soya (FFS) as the major source of protein on nutrient retention and haematological parameters of broilers at the starter phase. Apparent crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract retentions (%) were highest (P<0.05) for broiler starters fed the LSM diet, while the retention of ash was similar (P>0.05) between those fed LSM and FFS diets, but significantly lower (P<0.05) for those fed the GNC diet. The retentions (%) of nitrogen free extract, calcium and phosphorus were highest (P<0.05) for starters fed LSM, while those fed FFS had values that were similar (P>0.05) to birds fed LSM or GNC. Most of the haematological parameters measured were similar amongst the treatments, except that packed cell volume (PCV) (%) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (fl) were significantly lower (P<0.05) for broiler starters fed the GNC diet, while mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (%) and Neutrophiles (%) were lowest (P<0.05) for those fed the LSM diet. All values were however within the normal ranges for healthy broiler starters. The results indicated that LSM can replace GNC and FFS in the diets of broilers at the starter phase, without compromising performance.