Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Haematological and Histological Indices of Broiler Finisher Birds Reared on Varying Levels of Alum Treated Litter

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the  growth performance, carcass characteristics, haematological and histological indices of broiler finisher birds reared on varying levels of alum treated litter. A total of 300 mixed sex of broiler birds  at 4 weeks of age were allotted to 4 treatments  groups in a completely randomized  design  (CRD )with 5 replicates of 15 birds each. Treatment 1 served as  the control, while treatments 2, 3 and 4 contained (200g, 400g, and 600g) of alum per 5kg liter respectively. Results showed that the body weight gain, ADWG, FCR, feed intake and ADFI values were  higher (p<0.05) in favor of the treatment groups (T2, T3 and T4). Treatment groups had  better (p<0.05) carcass  and organ quality than the control group. In hematology results, it was only the values for WBC were significant (p<0.05) across the treatment  and the value was highest (p<0.05)  in control birds. Furthermore, histological indices determined  were not significant (p>0.05). It was therefore,concluded that the treatment of broiler litter with alum up to 600g/5kg litter had no adverse effect on their performance  and can be employed as a litter management protocols for improving performance in broiler production.