Comparative study of growth traits and haematological parameters of Anak and Nigerian heavy ecotype chickens fed with graded levels of mango seed kernel (Mangifera indica) meal

Abstract

One hundred fifty Anak and 120 Nigerian heavy local ecotype (NHLE) chickens were used to study the effects of feeding graded levels of mango seed kernel meal (MKM) replacing maize diet on growth traits and haematological parameters. A 2 × 5 factorial arrangement was employed: two breeds and five diets. The birds were randomly allocated to five finisher diets formulated such that MKM replaced maize at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) inclusion levels, respectively. The effect of breed and dietary treatments on growth performance and blood characteristics were determined. The results showed a significant (P < 0.05) breed effect on body weight and gain, shank length, thigh length, body width and body length. The growth traits of Anak breed were found to be superior to NHLE chickens. Within treatments, chicks on T1, T2 and T3, grew heavier than those on T4 and T5. However, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and haematological indices (RBC, Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC count) were not significant (P > 0.05) when the breeds and treatments were compared. It was concluded that inclusion of dietary MKM below 30% could replace maize in the diets of Anak and NHLE growing chickens without adverse effect on growth performance and blood constituents. This work suggests that genetic differences exist in growth traits of these breeds of chickens. This advantage could be useful in breed improvement programmes and better feeding managements of the NHLE and Anak chickens.

Physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds and industrial applications of mango kernel and its products: A review

“…Such attempts will not only resolve the environmental catastrophe caused by the disposal of waste, but will also provide a low-cost source of valuable products. Conventionally, the seeds have been used as animal feed but are currently not under any commercial use or processing (Mbunwen, Ngongeh, Okolie, & Okoli, 2015).…”

Genetic diversity between large white and nigerian indigenous breed of swine using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).

“…The climate is a humid tropical setting with a relative humidity range of 56.01 -103.83%. Average diurnal minimum temperature range between 22 -24.7 o c while the average maximum temperature range between 33 -37 o c (Ndofor-Foleng et al, 2015). Annual rainfall ranges between 1680 -1700mm.…”