Changes in blood parameters of broilers fed solid-state fermented cassava peel–foliage mix meal as a replacement for Zea mays in broilers’ diets
Keywords:
Alternative feed; biochemical param; broiler nutrition; cassava by-products; hematological indices; sustainable feed alternativesAbstract
Objective: The current study examined the effects of replacing Zea mays (maize) with solid-state Fermented cassava peel–foliage mix meal (FCPL) on the biochemical profiles and hematological markers. Materials and Methods: Cassava peels and foliage were processed by drying, grinding, and mixing at a ratio of 19:1; the resulting mixture was then fermented using Aspergillus niger American Type Culture Collection 16404. Then, broiler diets were supplemented with fermented cassava peel– foliage mix meal (FCPL) at 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% maize replacement levels. In a fully randomized design, 480 seven-day-old Anak 2,000 broiler chicks were assigned to the four dietary treatments. Each treatment included 120 birds, which were then split into four duplicates of 30 chicks each. Results: Inclusion of FCPL tended to improve hematological parameters, with hematocrit (PCV) increasing significantly (p < 0.05) and peaking at 60% replacement, while erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentration showed numerical increases. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were lower in FCPL-fed groups, suggesting no negative effects on liver function, whereas serum cholesterol and glucose levels reduced significantly (p < 0.05) as FCPL inclusion increased. Total serum protein remained within normal physiological ranges, and albumin concentration was highest at 40% replacement, suggesting optimal protein utilization at this level. Conclusion: Replacing maize with up to 60% FCPL in broiler diets enhances PCV levels, reduces serum cholesterol, and supports liver function. These findings highlight fermented cassava by-products as a sustainable, health-promoting, and cost-effective alternative energy source in poultry nutrition, contributing to feed resource diversification and improved productivity.
J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 12(4): 1305–1313, December 2025
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Copyright (c) 2025 Razaq Adekunle Animashahun, Olayinka Olubunmi Alabi, Adedeji Peculiar Animashahun, Olasunkanmi Peter Olajide, Abiodun Adebayo Idowu, Destiny Emmanuel Solomon, Oluwagbenga Paul Olorunfemi, Feranmi Gbenga Omoniyi, Collins Collins Francis, Emmanuel Oluwatobi Olowoloba
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