Blood chemistry and haematology of finisher broilers fed with plantain (Musa paradisiaca L) peel in their diets

A 4-week study was carried out to determine the effects of partial replacement of maize in broiler finisher diets with plantain peel on their blood chemistry and haematology. One hundred and twenty-six (126), 4-week-old Marshall Broilers weighing 1.0 kg were divided into 3 groups of 42 birds. Each group was replicated 3 times with 14 broiler chicks per replicate and each replicate housed in a pen measuring 1.5 m × 2.0 m. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomized design designated T1 (0%), T2 (10%), and T3 (20%). The condition of housing and management were the same for all the birds. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples for analysis were randomly obtained from 9 birds selected from each group and analysed statistically. Results revealed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration and lymphocyte values in all the dietary groups, but erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count and heterophil values of birds on diet T1 differed significantly (p < 0.05) from those on diets T2 and T3. Serum biochemical parameters analysed with the exception of serum globulin, albumin, urea, potassium, phosphorus and aspartate aminotransferase were similar (p > 0.05). It was concluded that plantain peel is a suitable substitute for maize in broiler finisher diet at inclusion rate not beyond 10% for optimal blood characteristics.