Effect of Replacing Soybean Meal with Dried Bovine Blood Meal on Growth Performance, Haematology and Serum Profile of SASSO Birds

Abstract

Abdul-Rahaman S. Salifu, Halidu Mamudu Agolisi, Ebenezer Kofi Nartey and Shirley Shena Waltia

The rising cost of processed feed has created a demand for more inexpensive feed options for chicken production. In most slaughterhouses, blood is thrown as trash, however, it can be used as a protein source. A study was conducted to assess the effect of replacing soybean meal with dry bovine blood meal on the growth performance and blood profile of SASSO birds. The treatments were as follows: The treatments were: control, 5 and 10% dried bovine blood meal (DBBM). Chemical analysis revealed that the blood meal content contained 86.76% crude protein, 1.36% ether extract, 1.98% crude fibre, and 8.54% DM ash. Birds fed the 5% DBBM diet had the highest daily DM intake (80.35%). The final weight and daily weight gain increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing DBBM levels. Birds fed the 10 % DBBM diet had the best feed conversion. All haematological and serum profile parameters studied were within the normal physiological ranges. It was concluded that dried bovine blood meal supplementation of up to 10% had no adverse effects on dry matter intake, daily weight gain, growth performance, and blood parameters of SASSO birds.

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