PAT 2009; 5 (1): 75-91
ISSN: 0794-5213
Online copy available at
www.patnsukjournal.net/currentissue
Publication of Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Response of Broilers to Different Physical Treatments of Cowpea Seedhull
*Adebiyi1, O.A., Ologhobo 1, A. D., Akinfemi 2, A., and Adu1 O. A.
*1
Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Toxicology, Department of Animal Science,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
2.
Nasarawa State University, Lafia-Shabu campus, Nasarawa State.
* Corresponding Author: Dr. Adebiyi Olufemi, Department of Animal Science,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, E-mail; femibiyi01@yahoo.com,
ABSTRACT
An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different physical treatments of
cowpea seedhull on the performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics
and serum metabolites of broilers. One hundred day old chicks were used for the study. There
were four diets with diet A containing no seedhull (control). Diet B, C and D contained 10% of
RSH, SSH and SBSH representing raw seedhull, soaked cowpea seedhull and soaked and
boiled cowpea seedhull respectively. 25 chicks were assingned to each dietary treatment which
was replicated five times in a completely randomised design (CRD). The result showed a
significant (p<0.05) increase in the average weight gain of birds on the control diet (287.85g)
compared to its counterparts on other diets. Birds on 10% RSH (0.84) and 10% SBSH (0.86)
showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in their feed conversion ratios but are significantly
higher than those on the control diet (0.64). The result also showed a significant (p<0.05)
decrease in the apparent crude fibre digestibility from 65% for the control to 40% for RSH.
The same trend was observed in the apparent crude protein and apparent dry matter
digestibility (DMD).The internal organs of the birds showed that gizzard size was fairly
constant among the different diets. However, birds on diet C (SSH) had the highest abdominal
fat weight of 2.49% compared with 1.77% in birds fed control diet (A). Result obtained for
serum metabolites showed that birds fed with the control diet had cholesterol level of
159.00mg/dl and glucose level of 278.00mg/dl compared to 134.00mg/dl that were observed
for birds fed diet B.
Key words : performance characteristics, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass
characteristics, serum metabolites broiler chicks
INTRODUCTION
Poultry production holds a prominent place in the economy of many developing
countries including Nigeria. The need to improve the production becomes more
important with increasing human population and demand for animal products.
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….76
According to Longe (1986), poultry production represents the fastest means of
correcting shortage of animal protein, because of their faster rate of production and
quick turn over rates of investment. Unfortunately, poultry production in Nigeria is
adversely affected by fluctuations in supply of good quality feed due to inadequate local
production of feedstuffs, unavailability of some ingredients year round, competition
between man and animals for the limited available conventional feed sources and
general inflationary trends in the country due to inconsistent economic policy of
government.
The use of Agro-industrial by-products (AIBs) in animal feed holds tremendous
potential in alleviating the existing critical situation of high cost and inadequate supply
of feed (Longe 1985; Babatunde, 1989). Several animal nutritionists have utilized these
AIBs in feed formulation for monogastrics. Some of these include cassava peels in
rabbit (Omole, 1992), cassava in layers and growers mash (Onabowale,1992) and
Leucaena leaf meal in broiler diets (Dada et al., 1998). Fibrousness of these AIBs (crop
residue inclusive) has been identified as a major cause of under utilization for
monogastric feeding (Longe and Ogedengbe, 1989). Considerable efforts have been
made to improve the utilization of AIBs in practical monogastric nutrition. Methods
employed in improving fibre utilization include cooking and autoclaving (Ologhobo and
Fetuga, 1986), soaking in water, alteration of particle size, treatment with NaOH
(Adeleye, 1980) and steam treatment (Castro et al., 1993). The use of microbial
enzymes and antibiotics has also been employed (Longe, 1988; Onifade, 1993).
Cowpea seedhull is an important crop residual in sub-saharan Africa. The
importance of crop residue in animal feeding is clearly shown by the low acceptance of
high-yielding varieties of cowpea in Northern Mali because of low forage yield. It
therefore stand a reason for farmers to be knowledgeable on the technology that
maximizes the use of crop residue whose production is about 660 million tones (dry
matter) for pulses according to the world crop residue production records (Read et al.,
1988). Therefore, the use of different physical treatments to reduce the fibrousness of
cowpea seedhull for broiler production is hereby investigated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
§
§
§
Treatment of test ingredient
The cowpea seedhull was physically treated in the following ways:
20kg of cowpea seedhull was soaked in 100 litres of water for three days, dried
(SSH) and supplemented in the diet.
20kg of seedhull was soaked in 100 litres for three days and boiled for 30 minutes,
this was later dried (SBSH) and supplemented in the diet.
20kg of seedhull (Raw, RSH) was supplemented in the broiler diet.
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….77
Experimental birds and their management
One hundred day-old broiler chicks were used for the study. Twenty five chicks were
randomly assigned to each dietary treatment A (control), B (10%RSH), C (10%SSH)
and D (10%SBSH), which was replicated five times in a completely randomized design.
The chicks were reared on a deep litter system with feed and water supplied ad-libitum.
The management of the birds was as outlined by Oluyemi and Robert (2004).
Four dietary treatments were formulated including the control which had 10% Corn
offal. The Corn offal was replaced with the different physically treated seedhulls as
shown in the gross composition diets Tables (Table 1, starter phase and Table 2,
Finisher phase). The diets were made isonitrogenous with the provision for at least the
minimum calorie requirement of the chicken as recommended (Oluyemi and Robert,
2004). At the end of the 7days of brooding, the birds were weighed and allotted to their
respective treatment diets.
The feeds were formulated with the seedhulls to meet the nutrient requirement of broiler
(NRC, 1984). Corn offal was used as the fibre source in the control diet.
TABLE 1: Gross composition of experimental diets (Starter phase)
DIETS
Ingredient (%)
A (Control)
B (RSH)
Maize
Soybean
Fishmeal
Cowpea seedhull
Corn offal
Palm oil
Lysine
Methionine
Oyster
Premix
Bone meal
Salt
TOTAL
Calculated Nutrients
Crude Protein (%)
47.00
32.30
5.00
10.00
2.00
0.10
0.10
0.50
0.25
2.50
0.25
100.00
Crude fibre (%)
3.94
Metabolizable Energy
(kcal/kg)
3004.08
23.57
C (SSH)
D(SBSH)
50.00
29.30
5.00
10.00
2.00
0.10
0.10
0.50
0.25
2.50
0.25
100.00
47.00
32.30
5.00
10.00
2.00
0.10
0.10
0.50
0.25
2.50
0.25
100.00
48.00
31.30
5.00
10.00
2.00
0.10
0.10
0.50
0.25
2.50
0.25
100.00
22.41
23.72
23.45
5.95
5.64
5.87
3003.38
3065.61
3004.23
RSH: Raw Cowpea seedhull; SSH: Soaked Cowpea seedhull: SBSH: Soaked and Boiled Cowpea
seedhull
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….78
TABLE 2: Gross composition of experimental diet (Finisher phase)
DIETS
Ingredient (%)
Maize
Soybean
Fishmeal
Cowpea seedhull
Corn offal
Palm oil
Lysine
Methionine
Premix
Oyster shell
Bone meal
Salt
TOTAL
Calculated Nutrients
Crude protein (%)
Crude fibre (%)
Metabolisable Energy
(kcal/kg)
RSH: Raw Cowpea seedhull;
seedhull
A
(Control)
57.00
22.30
5.00
10.00
2.00
0.10
0.10
0.25
0.50
2.50
0.25
100.00
20.37
3.49
3077.48
B
(RSH)
60.00
19.30
5.00
10.00
2.00
0.10
0.10
0.25
0.50
2.50
0.25
100.00
19.12
5.50
317678
SSH: Soaked Cowpea seedhull:
C
(SSH)
D
(SBSH)
57.00
22.30
5.00
10.00
2.00
0.10
0.10
0.25
0.50
2.50
0.25
100.00
58.00
21.30
5.00
10.00
2.00
0.10
0.10
0.25
0.50
2.50
0.25
100.00
20.34
5.19
3169.01
19.85
5.42
3167.67
SBSH: Soaked and Boiled Cowpea
Data collected
Records of feed consumption and body weight were kept on weekly basis whereas,
body weight gain and feed to gain ratio (Feed Conversion Ratio) were estimated from
the data collected.
Metabolic trial and serum collection
Digestibility study was carried out between the seventh and eight week of the
experiment. Two birds from each replicate whose weights were close to the mean were
selected for metabolic trial.
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….79
Apparent Crude Protein Digestibility =Total Intake x % CP Intake – Total Output x % CP Output X 100
Total Intake x% CP Intake
1
Apparent Crude Fibre Digestibility =Total Intake x % CF Intake – Total Output x % CF Output X 100
Total Intake x % CF Intake
1
Apparent Dry Matter Digestibility = Total Intake x % DMD Intake – Total Output x % DMD Output X 100
Total Intake x % DMD Intake
1
Blood were collected by random sampling from four birds per treatment at the
end of the experiment into sterile sample tubes without anticoagulant. The tubes were
kept in a slanting wooden rack at 450C and the blood allowed to clot. The clotted blood
was centrifuged for 15 minutes at 3,500 revolutions per minute. A clear fluid which is
the serum was drained out into a clean and sterilized bottle and taken for analysis.
The serum protein was analysed using sigma assay kits, glucose was determined
by o-Toluidine method using acetic acid (Cooper and McDaniel, 1970) and cholesterol
by the method of Roschlan et al. (1974).
Carcass quality evaluation
At the end of the eight weeks, two birds per replicate were slaughtered after they
were starved overnight. The live weight, bled weight and dressed weight were taken.
Eviscerated carcass was cut into prime cuts (thighs, drumsticks, wings, breast and back)
and weighed. The abdominal fat was also weighed and recorded. The weights of the
organs (liver, heat gizzard kidney and spleen) were also taken. The weight of the
carcass was calculated as percentage of live weight.
Chemical analysis
Samples of the test diet and faecal output were analysed for proximate constituents
using the procedure of A.O.A.C. (1990).
Statistical analysis
All data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS
statistical package (SAS, 1999) and significant treatment means were separated using
Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) of the same software.
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….80
RESULTS
Proximate composition of the test ingredient (Cowpea seedhulls).
The results of the proximate composition and fibre fraction components are shown in
Table 3. The proximate composition and fibre fraction components were all observed to
be affected by the various physical treatments the seedhulls were subjected. The crude
protein (CP) content increased from 14.11% (RSH) to 16.71% (SSH). The crude fibre
(CF) content decreased to 25.50% (SSH), from the initial content of 30.00% (RSH)
Table 3: Proximate analysis of Cowpea seedhulls subjected to different physical
treatments.
Dry Matter (%)
Crude Protein (%)
Ether Extract (%)
ASH (%)
Crude Fibre (%)
Insoluble Ash (%)
Metabolisable Energy (Kcal/kg)
Gross Energy (Kcal/kg)
Nitrogen Free Extract (%)
RSH
89.34±3.42
14.11 ±0.32
9.66 ± 0.35
8.75± 0.27
30.00 ±2.43
1.30±0.07
2642.80 ±8.98
2930.98 ±9.56
37.48 ±3.31
SSH
90.00±4.21
16.71 ± 0.45
9.54 ±1.24
9.19±0.23
25.50 ±1.98
1.40±0.09
2785.29 ±10.21
3227.54 ±7.91
39.06 ±2.31
SBSH
89.30±2.87
15.06 ±0.52
9.30 ±1.02
9.30±0.48
28.21 ±2.67
1.00± 0.06
2698.56 ±8.54
3097.21 ±8.89
38.13 ±2.21
a, b, c.. Means on same row with different superscript are significantly different (P<0.05).
RSH --Raw cowpea seedhulls, SSH --Soaked cowpea seedhulls, SBSH --Soaked and boiled cowpea seedhull
The Metabolizable energy value was also observed to increase with the increase in CP
with the highest value of 2785.27kcal/kgDM in SSH substrate.
Table 4 shows the nutrient composition of the experimental diets (starter and
finisher). The crude protein for the starter phase ranged from 23.01% to 23.72% at the
starter phase while the least crude fibre level (4.00%) was recorded for control diet. The
range of metabolisable energy value for the finisher phase was from 3171.05kcal/kg
(diet C) to 3178.42kcal/kg (diet A). The proportion of the crude protein decreased
slightly at the finisher phase to value ranging from 20.03% to 20.46% although this is
still within the recommended range for broilers.
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….81
The Performance characteristics and apparent nutrient digestibility of broilers
fed with differently treated cowpea seedhull diets are shown in Table 5. The average
weight gain per bird shows that birds on the control diet (A) with mean value of
287.85g were significantly (p<0.05) better than their counterparts in other diets. There
were significant (p<0.05) differences in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the different
diets. Birds fed the control diet (A) had the least value of 0.64, followed by birds on diet
C (0.80). Broilers fed diets B (0.84) and D (0.86) were not significantly (p<0.05)
different from each other in terms of their FCR values.
The apparent crude fibre (CF) digestibility of the birds ranged from 40.00% for diet B
(10% RSH) to 65.00% for control diet (A). Analysis of variance showed significant
(p<0.05) differences among the dietary treatment means. The apparent crude protein
(CP) digestibility value for the control diet (A) was significantly (p<0.05) higher
(68.00%) than diet D (56.00%) and Diet C (58.00%), while the least value was obtained
in diet B (53.00%).
The same trend as apparent crude protein was also observed for apparent dry
matter digestibility (DMI), the apparent DMD for birds on the control diet (A) was
71.00%, followed by birds fed diet C (68.00%) and the least was observed with birds
fed diet B (50.00%).
Table 4: Nutrient composition of experimental diets fed to broiler birds.
DIETS
STARTER DIET
A (Control)
Dry matter (%)
Crude protein (%)
Crude fibre (%)
Ash (%)
Ether Extract (%)
Metabolizable energy (kcal/kg)
FINISHER DIET
Dry matter (%)
Crude protein (%)
Crude fibre (%)
Ash (%)
Ether Extract (%)
Metabolizable energy (kcal/kg)
91.02
23.65
4.00
5.50
4.32
3010.50
B
(10% RSH)
90.80
23.01
5.70
4.93
4.00
3010.75
C
(10% SSH)
90.50
23.72
5.30
5.52
4.05
3015.05
D
(10% SBSH)
90.00
23.45
5.60
5.05
4.35
3005.02
90.58
20.42
4.52
5.20
5.32
3178.42
90.40
20.03
6.00
4.63
4.91
3177.92
91.00
20.46
6.01
4.52
5.05
3171.05
91.00
20.05
6.05
4.05
5.04
3171.32
RSH --Raw cowpea seed hulls, SSH --Soaked cowpea seed hulls, SBSH --Soaked and boiled cowpea seed hulls
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….82
Table 5: Performance characteristics and apparent nutrient digestibility of broilers fed
with differently treated cowpea seedhulls
DIETS
B
(10% RSH)
Parameters
A
(Control)
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Feed intake /bird/day (g/day)
184.40
Average weight gain (g)
287.85
Feed conversion ratio
0.64c
181.30
a
Apparent crude protein (%)
Apparent DMD (%)
D
(10%SBS)
SEM
187.50
187.50
0.01
ab
ab
236.35
222.20
0.84a
0.80b
0.86a
0.06
40.00d
57.00b
55.00c
0.52
68.00a
53.00d
58.00b
56.00c
0.30
a
d
b
c
0.22
APPARENT NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY
Apparent crude fibre (%)
65.00a
71.00
215.70
b
C
(10%SSH)
50.00
68.00
65.00
a, b, c.. Means on same row with different superscript are significantly different (P<0.05).
RSH - Raw cowpea seedhulls, SBSH --Soaked and boiled cowpea seedhulls,
SSH - Soaked cowpea seed hulls, SEM – Standard Error of Means, DMD -- Dry Matter Digestibility
0.02
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….83
TABLE 6: Carcass characteristics of broilers fed with differently treated cowpea seedhulls (%
Liveweight)
Parameters g/100g
Bled weight
A
(Control)
95.77a
Shank
2.86
Head
2.86
b
Breast
8.56
Thigh & Drumstick
ab
2.96
3.14
Back
3.16
ab
Neck
Wings
B
(10% RSH)
90.55b
15.69
13.42
a
3.60
14.53
c
a
2.67
0.31
8.34
c
a
19.23
19.62
2.02
0.50
2.13a
0.60b
1.47d
200.50a
2.09
0.40
1.61b
0.40a
2.49a
202.00a
0.85
0.17
3.33
16.03
SEM
3.33
ab
a
9.62
a
D
(10% SBSH)
91.67b
ab
7.15
b
9.45
3.59
a
3.21
b
8.45
a
a
20.02
2.90
DIETS
C
(10% SSH)
88.97c
0.16
0.88
15.00
a
1.03
10.00
b
0.96
b
18.34
1.13
2.17
0.40
1.43c
0.40a
2.11b
199.00b
0.18
0.04
0.17
0.07
0.7
1.00
INTERNAL ORGANS
Gizzard
Heart
Liver
Kidney
Abdominal fat
Length of intestine
(cm)
1.99
0.50
1.93b
0.30a
1.77c
198.00b
a, b, c means on the same row with different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05).
RSH --Raw cowpea seedhulls, SSH --Soaked cowpea seedhulls, SBSH --Soaked and boiled cowpea
seedhulls SEM – Standard Error of Means
The carcass characteristics analysis of broiler birds fed with differently treated cowpea
seedhulls are shown in Table 6. The head and the breast of birds on the different diets
showed no significant (p>0.05) differences in their mean values, but significant
(p<0.05) differences were observed in the bled weight of birds on the control diet A
(95.77%) and diet C (88.97%). The internal organs of the birds showed that, gizzard
size was fairly constant among the different diets. Birds fed diets A (0.30%), C (0.40%)
and D (0.40%) showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in the kidney weight. No
significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in the weight of the heart with mean
values ranging between 0.40% and 0.50% for the birds on all the treatments diet.
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….84
Although, birds fed diet B (10% RSH) had the highest liver weight of 2.13% while
between the birds fed control diet (diet A) and diet 10% SSH (diet C), no significant
(p>0.05) difference was observed. However, birds on diets C with 10.00% SSH had the
highest abdominal fat weight of 2.49% compared to 1.77% in birds fed the control diet
(A). The length of the intestine also showed significant (p<0.05) differences among the
different diets with values ranging between 198.00cm and 202.00cm.
350
300
Value (mg/dl)
250
200
Total Cholesterol
Total Glucose
150
100
50
0
A
B
C
D
Treatments
Fig 1: Glucose and Cholesterol contents of Broiler birds fed Treated cowpea seedhull
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical ……85
4
3.5
Values changes (g/dl)
3
2.5
2
A
B
C
D
1.5
1
0.5
0
A
B
C
D
Treatments
Fig 2:Total Protein Content of Broiler Birds fed Treated Cowpea seedhulls
Effect of different treatments of supplementing different physically treated cowpea
seedhull on the serum parameters of broiler birds are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The
result revealed that birds fed with control diet had cholesterol level of 159.00mg/dl and
glucose level of 278.00mg/dl compared to 134.00mg/dl and 303.00mg/dl that were
observed for birds fed diet A (Fig.1). The total protein content for birds on the control
diet (diet A) and those on the 10% SBSH (diet D) were similar (3.50g/dl) while the least
was observed for birds fed 10% RSH (diet B) as shown in Fig 2.
DISCUSSION
Proximate composition of cowpea seedhulls
The Proximate composition of the test ingredients showed that soaked cowpea seedhull
(SSH) had the highest crude protein, metabolisable energy and the least crude fibre.
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….86
This could have resulted from the fermentation that occurred during soaking that
degraded some components of the non starch polysaccharide, which in turn improved
the protein and energy values and reduced the crude fibre content of the hulls. The
untreated seedhulls (RSH) had the least values of crude protein and metabolisable
energy contents, but the highest crude fibre content. This was because the hulls were not
subjected to any treatment, and digestion of nutrients was hindered by crude fibre
thereby making the nutrients unavailable to the animals. The values obtained for the
soaked and boiled hulls (SBSH) were lower than that of SSH and this was probably due
to the treatment effect of boiling which might have destroyed some of the proteins,
evaporated several volatile substances and inactivated some enzymes within the
feedstuff. Umoh and Bassir (1980) reported loss of protein and some essential amino
acids during parboiling. Also, Castro et al. (1993) showed that steam treatment led to a
partial hydrolysis of hemicellulose, depolymerization of lignin and expansion of the cell
wall. Van Soest and Mason (1991) explained that crude protein values decreased due to
heating of lignocellulosic material, that generated undegradable maillard products
which were detected by an increase in the nitrogen content of the cell wall. The maillard
polymers produced are considered to be a lignin-like compound and poorly degradable.
This shows that soaking alone produced a better effect than soaking and boiling
(SBSH).
Performance characteristics and apparent digestibility studies
The Performance characteristics of broilers fed with differently treated cowpea
seedhulls showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in the feed intake. Milling was a
general form of treatment carried out on all the hulls before they were used to
compound diets for the different treatments. This might have been responsible for the
non significant difference observed in the feed intake. It agrees with Khajaren and
Khajarern (2003) that physical treatments such as milling, chopping, soaking, prior to
feeding gave positive response in term of increasing intake and digestibility. Also
Daveby et al. (1998) reported better digestibility of nutrients of pea as a result of
milling compared to crushing. By milling, the mechanical impact on the physical
structure is more exact. The effect on starch according to Biliaderis (1991) is at least
related to the presence of intact cell wall structures that surround the starch granule and
which could act as physiological barriers to α- amylase
The weight gain of the birds showed significant differences with the birds on
control diet (A) having the highest weight gain of 287.85g/day. No significant (p<0.05)
difference was observed between birds fed diet C (10% SSH) and diet D (10% SBSH)
respectively. Birds on diet B (10% RSH) gave the least weight gain of 215.00g/day
which might be due to unavailability of nutrients. This agrees with Eastwood (1973)
who observed that fibre had significant negative effects on weight gain and feed intake
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….87
in birds. The feed conversion ratio showed that birds fed the control diet had better feed
utilization to those on other diets. This could be as a result of low fibre content in the
diet at both starter and finisher phases (Table 4) thus leading to better conversion of the
diet to flesh as revealed by the FCR
Nutrient digestibility is the ratio of the nutrient retained to the total intake
expressed in percentage. Digestibility is one of the most essential tools or parameters
with which one can assess the nutritive value of a particular feedstuff. However,
components of feed nutrients cannot be said to be beneficial unless such nutrients are
capable of being properly digested and assimilated.
The result obtained in the present study that there were significant differences in
the apparent digestibilities of the different diets. Birds on the control diet had the
highest apparent digestibility values. This might be due to the various industrial
processing that the corn offal (fibre source of this diet) had gone through which could
have reduced the possible non starch polysaccharides in the corn offal or possibly
because the fibre content of this diet is low as compared to other diets. Among birds on
the test diets, birds on diet C had better apparent digestibilities values than those on diet
D (10% SBSH) and diet B (10% RSH) respectively. This might be due to the
fermentation of the seedhull, and during fermentation enzymes are produced which
could have brought unexpected benefits as demonstrated by Danicke (1999 a,b,c; and
2001) and Maisonnier et al. (2001 a,b) thus leading to better utilization of the diet by
the birds.
The values obtained for the apparent nutrient digestibilities of birds fed diet B
was the least and might be as a result of the fact that the seedhull in this diet was not
treated in any form. This could have probably increase of the NSP thus resulting in low
apparent digestibilities compared to birds on diets C (10% SSH) and D (10% SBSH)
respectively. This agrees with the submission of Delorme and Wojcik (1982) who
reported that as dietary fibre increased, adequate protein nutrition becomes critical. Also
Abdelsamie et al. (1983) found that high fibre decreased growth and nutrient
digestibility through changes in the gut transit time, while Varel et al. (1988) concluded
that there was an inverse relationship between dietary fibre and digestibility coefficient
of nutrients.
Carcass Characteristics
The gizzard weight was not significantly affected by the diets, although, values
obtained for the test diets are higher than the control, yet the fibre levels fall within the
recommended level (3% to 5%) for broilers. The fibre levels at the finisher phase for
birds fed diets B, C and D were slightly above (6.0%) the recommended level, and a
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….88
prolonged consumption of soluble NSP (from high fibre) has been described by Ikegami
et al. (1990) to lead to significant adaptive changes in the digestive system in rat. Some
of the changes include enlargement of the digestive organs and increased secretion of
digestive juices, accompanied by decrease in nutrient digestion. The result obtained for
gizzard weight is similar to the work of Summer and Leeson, (1986) who reported that
gizzard weight was higher in birds fed fibrous diet, and Kubena et al. (1980) who stated
that gizzard weight increased in high fibre diets. The increase in size might have been
due to the muscular activity, which might have also led to the increase observed in the
liver and kidney of birds fed diet B (10% RSH).
The length of the intestine increased with increase in fibre, Abdelsamie et al.
(1983) reported that at similar feed intake, fibrous diet increased the weight and length
of the gastro- intestinal tract in broilers. Longe and Ogedengbe (1989) reported that the
gravity of feeding dietary fibre on performance is a function of the source and
concentration of the fibre source. Van Soest, (1982) also concluded that different
dietary fibres are known to be compositionally (physical and chemical properties)
different from each other.
Serum Metabolites
The result obtained for serum metabolites, showed significant dietary (p<0.05)
differences for serum glucose with 10.00% RSH diet giving higher values than the
control and other diets. The values obtained did not fall within the range of 152.00 to
182.00mg/dl reported for chicken by Mitruka and Rawnsley (1977) and also
contradicted the report of Ogunwole et al. (1984), that high fibre diet reduced serum
glucose concentration. However, IFST (2001) observed that some fibres improved
glucose metabolism and insulin response. Diets high in fibre may improve
glycometabolic balance in diabetic patients.
The total cholesterol values obtained were significantly different. The
cholesterol values for birds on diet A and diet D (10% SBSH) fall within the normal
range of values (52.00 to 140.00mg/dl) as reported by Mitruka and Rawnsley (1977).
Comparing the other treatments with the control, it could be observed that the birds fed
with diet C (149.00mg/dl) and diet D (140.00mg/dl) had values lower than the control
(159.00mg/dl) and this could be due to the fibre content of the diets.
CONCLUSION
This study has demonstrated that the supplementation of broiler’s diet with different
physically treated cowpea seedhull has a pronounced decrease effect feed conversion
PAT 2009; 5(1): 75-91 ISSN: 0794-5213; Adebiyi et al; Response of Broilers to Different Physical …….89
efficiency and nutrient availability of the animals compared with those on maize-based
diet but with a reduction in the cholesterol level of the birds.
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