Performance and health implication of feeding Fungi treated cocoa pod husk meal on broiler

Abstract Background The utilization parameters of Marshall broiler fed fungi treated cocoa pod husk meal (FTCPHM) with respect to growth performance and health implication were evaluated. Four diets were formulated using FTCPHM at 0, 5, 10 and 15% inclusion levels and designated as T1. T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Ninety-Six day old Marshall broiler comprising 24 birds per treatment with eight birds serving as a replicate in a Completely Randomized design (CRD). Results It was revealed that T1, T2 and T3 utilized their diets for total weight gain, feed conversion ratio and lowest mortality compared to T4. The live weight, head, breast and shank were the only parameters that showed significant (P < 0.05) differences in the carcass measurement with highest values observed in T2 (1.92 kg), T1 (30.30 g/kg), T1 (213.49 g/kg) and T4 (46.74 g/kg) respectively. While only the relative organ weight of the liver and pancreas were significantly (P < 0.05) affected. All parameters of the hematology were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the diet except White blood cell. Consequently, the serum biochemical indices were also significant (P < 0.05) in high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, albumin and globulin. Conclusion It was therefore concluded that inclusion of above 10% FTCPHM may have an adverse effect on the performance and health of the birds