Effects of Feeding Diets Containing Pearl Millet Supplemented with Enzyme on the Carcass and Haematological Values of Broiler Chicken

Abstract

Pearl millet, which is comparable to maize in terms of its metabolizable energy content is an identified potential replacement for maize in broiler diets. However, as the competition and price of maize continues to spike, the continuous need to completely replace maize in broiler diets is imperative. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing pearl millet supplemented with enzyme NatuzymeTM on the carcass characteristics and haematological values of broiler chickens. 150 two weeks-old broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 birds per pen translating into 10 birds per replicate and fed an isonitrogenous (23%CP) starter diet of control diet (A); 0% (B); 10% (C); 20% (D); 30.01% and (E) 37.41 % pearl millet. Similarly, an isonitrogenous (21%CP) finisher diet of control diet (A); 0% (B); 10.64% pearl millet (C); 21.28% (D); 31.92% and (E) 39.27 % of pearl millet for 6 weeks. The birds were randomly allotted to the diets in a completely randomized design with feed and water given ad libitum. With the exception of drumstick of birds fed diet D which was significantly lower than the other diets, the results showed that the carcass values (parameters) of broilers fed 100% pearl millet were similar or non-superior to the control group and the other diets. Similarly, blood parameters were not significantly different between groups. These results show that pearl millet supplemented with enzyme can replace maize in broiler diets without affecting carcass yields and haematological parameters.