Effects of Strains and Skip–A–Day Feed Restriction on Haematological Parameters of Broiler Chickens.

Akinsola, K. L.; Nathaniel, J.; Obasi, E.N.; Obike, O.M.

Akinsola, K. L. Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
Nathaniel, J. Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
Obasi, E.N. Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
Obike, O.M. Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Keywords: Strains, Skip-a-day feed restriction, Haematology, Interaction and Correlation

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the implications of strain and skip-a-day feed restriction on haematological parameters of broiler chickens. A total number of 288 day-old broilers of Arbor Acre, Hubbard and Marshall strains were randomly allocated to four treatments of 96 chicks each, with each treatment having three replicates of 8 birds. The four treatments were full – fed (T1), second (T2), third (T3) and fourth (T4) week skip-a-day feed restriction. Data collected from the completely randomized design was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS (2003) and the differences between means for strain x skip-a-day feed restriction interactions were separated by Duncan’s New Multiple Range test (Duncan, 1955). Data analyzed on the haematological indices showed that no significant (p>0.05) effect of strain on all the haematological parameters at 8 weeks. Feed restriction regimes applied had no effect on the haematological parameters of the birds. However, there was significant effect of strain by feed restriction interaction on haematological parameters of broiler chickens at 8 weeks. Marshal on 4th week feed restriction had the highest value of PCV (34.33%) while Marshall birds on full feed (T1) showed the least mean value (26.33%). Similarly, there was significant (p<0.01) strain by feed restriction interaction effect on hemoglobin (Hb). Marshall birds on 4th week feed restriction and Hubbard birds on full feed (T1) recorded superior mean values (11.13 g/dl, 11.17 g/dl), while Marshall birds on full feed (T1) showed the least mean value (8.57g/dl). There was positive phenotypic correlation among the haematological parameters with PCV (0.6794) and Hb (0.9672) recording high and positive values. It is suggested that for profitable and healthy broiler production under tropical conditions, Marshall and fourth week skip-a-day feed restriction be considered.

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