Abstract

An experiment was conducted to partially substitute graded levels of combined bovine (camel and cattle) rumen digesta (CBRD) for maize and subsequently determined the effect on haematological and serum biochemical indices of finisher broiler chicken. One hundred and fifty day-old (150) (Marshall) broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments of three replicates of 10 chicks each. The experimental diets were formulated with cow and camel rumen content (combined rumen content (CBRD)) in the diets of broilers (ratio of 1:1) at 0, 20, 25, 30 and 35% inclusion levels and designated as TI, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Data obtained were subjected to analyses of variance in a completely randomized design (CRD) using SAS (2009) and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of same statistical package at 5% level of probability. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum for 8 weeks. Data were generated for haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Results from the blood analysis revealed no significant (P>0.05) effect of CBRD on haematological parameters measured. The PCV ranged between 37.25% for birds fed 35% CBRD diet to 33.10% for birds fed 25% CBRD diet. The WBC value ranged from 253.75 (x103/mm3) for birds fed 35% CBRD diet to 233.25 (x103/mm3) for birds on control diet. Similarly, the result of biochemical indices showed no significant (P>0.05) influence on all the parameters measured. The creatinine value ranged from 0.045 to 0.041 mmol/dl (0, 25 and 30%), respectively. AST value ranged from 32.50 for birds fed control diet to 27.00 for birds fed 20% CBRD diet. ALT values ranged from 17.83 to 16.33 (0, 30%), respectively. It was concluded that CBRD supplementation up to 35% inclusion levels could be used to substitute maize partially in the diets of finisher broiler chickens as it does not pose any health risk to the chicken based on the results of the haematological and serum biochemical indices.