Haematological and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Enzyme Supplemented Cocoa Bean Shell as Partial Replacement for Maize

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens fed diets containing enzyme supplemented Cocoa Bean Shell (CBS) as partial replacement for maize. A total of 150 day-old broiler chicks (Abor Acre Plus) were randomly assigned into five dietary treatments: T1 (0% CBS), T2 (5% CBS), T3 (10% CBS), T4 (15% CBS), and T5 (20% CBS), with enzyme inclusion in T2–T5 at 10g/kg. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and blood samples were collected via wing vein for haematology and serum biochemistry. Data collected for haematology were White blood cells, eosinophil, basophil, monocytes, lymphocytes, red blood cells, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and for the serum:Total protein, glucose and cholesterol) were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SAS and means with significant differences separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results obtained indicated that the inclusion of enzyme-supplemented CBS significantly (P<0.05) influenced the blood parameters. Haematological parameters showed that red blood cell count and haemoglobin were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 (2.57 × 10⁶/µl and 11.47 g/dl, respectively), while white blood cell count was lowest in T5 (64.35 × 10³/µl). Serum total protein was highest (P<0.05) in T5 (5.68 g/dl), while cholesterol was lowest in T5 (141.30 mg/dl) compared to T1 (203.33 mg/dl). In conclusion, including Enzyme-Supplemented Cocoa Bean Shell (CBS) as a partial maize replacement significantly influenced the blood and serum parameters of broiler chickens. Feeding 10% CBS improved red blood cell count and haemoglobin, indicating better health, while 20% CBS reduced white blood cells but increased total protein and lowered cholesterol, suggesting possible immune suppression despite some metabolic benefits. Therefore, based on the findings, a moderate 10% inclusion is recommended for enhancing health without compromising immunity.