Effect of dietary inclusion of biochar on growth performance, haematology and serum lipid profile of broiler birds

Abstract

One hundred and twenty (120) day-old broiler birds were used to ascertain the effect of dietary inclusion of biochar on the growth, hematology and serum lipid profiles of birds in a 56-day feeding trial. The birds were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 30 birds each, replicated twice with 15 birds per replicate. The groups were randomly assigned to four diets in a completely randomized design involving four levels (0, 2, 4 and 6%) of biochar kg-1. Treatments did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in final body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio at the starter phase. However, at the finisher phase, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among treatments in final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of birds fed 6% biochar kg-1 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other treatment groups. White blood cell counts (WBC) and packed cell volume (PCV) were not affected by treatments at the starter and finisher phases, respectively. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and red blood cell count were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by the treatments at both starter and finisher phases. Nonsignificant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the triacylglycerol (TAG) values of birds at the finisher phase, while cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01) at both phases. The result of the present study showed that up to 6% dietary biochar kg-1 improved growth, hematology and serum lipid profiles of broiler birds.

Use of biochar as feed supplements for animal farming

“…The results of an experiment in which poultry were fed biochar, bentonite or zeolite showed that biochar had the best granulation properties (1-4 mm) and moisture retention (85-90%). Dim et al (2018) reported that broilers fed with 4% and 6% corn stover biochar were similar in final body weight but heavier (p < .05) than those fed 2% biochar kg À1 and those on the control diet (0% biochar kg À1 ).The FCR improved from 3.02 (Control) to 1.89 (6%) (p < .05). Egg-laying poultry fed with wood-based biochar had better egg weights (60.6 g ± 1.14 g) and FCR (2.20 g ± 0.042 g) when compared to the control group (without biochar) .…”

Effect of activated charcoal on different aspects of poultry performance: a review

“…Majewska and Zaborowski (2003) however reported that AC supplemented birds were 1-6.5% heavier, 5.9% better in their FCR and 1.6% better in their survival rate than the control group. Dim et al (2018) reported that the final body weight, average daily weight gain and FCR were better in birds on 6% AC inclusion than other groups after 56 days trial period similar to the reports of Kutlu et al (1999). Dim et al (2018) also noted that WBC count and PCV were not affected at both the starter and finisher phases, while haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and RBC count were significantly improved and cholesterol and lipoprotein levels were significantly reduced, probably due to the ability of the birds on AC to maximally utilize the vitamin-mineral premix in the diet.…”

Carcass and organ characteristics of finishing broilers fed diets containing probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

“…Despite this status, it has not been able to meet the demand of the ever increasing human population, who depend directly on the meat for animal protein and consequently essential amino acids. In a bid to boost productivity, several dietary manipulations have been carried out on poultry, ranging from inclusion of growth promoters (Barreto et al, 2008;Mokhtari et al, 2010), hormones (Al-Dobaib and Mousa, 2009), organic acids (Ghazalah et al, 2011), enzymes (Chuka, 2014;Hossain et al, 2014), locally sourced additives (Onyimonyi et al, 2012;Olabode et al, 2013;Dim et al, 2018), etc.…”