Growth performance, haemetological and serum biochemical indices of broiler finisher birds fed fermented bambara groundnut meal (Vigna subterranean(L) VERDC)

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of fermented bambara groundnut meal on the performance, haematological and blood biochemical indices of broiler finisher birds. Bambara groundnut seeds were fermented, dried and milled into fine powdery fermented bambara groundnut meal (FBGM). It was then analyzed for proximate and phytochemical composition. The meal was then used to formulate four broiler finisher diets at 0.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0% inclusion levels respectively, which were then used to raise 4 groups of 30 broiler finisher each for 4 weeks. At the end of the 4 weeks (28 days) trial, 3 birds were selected from each group and used for the determination of blood indices. The daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio did not show any significant (P > 0.05) difference. The packed cell volume, red blood cell and white blood cell were significantly affected (p<0.05) by treatment, decreasing significantly at 15.0% dietary levels. Total proteins, creatinine, urea, and cholesterol decreased significantly (p<0.05) as the fermented bambara groundnut meal increased. The results of this trial showed that broiler finisher chicken can be fed with fermented bambara groundnut meal up to 15.0% inclusion level in their diets as a partial replacement for soya bean meal without any detrimental effects on the performance and blood indices.