Utilization of rice milling waste (RMW) in local turkey diets: effect on haematological indices and blood chemistry

One hundred Local Turkey Poults brooded on commercial broiler starter mash for four weeks were utilized in a Completely Randomized Design Experiment to evaluate the effect of feeding varying levels of Rice Milling Waste (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), on the haematological and blood chemistry indices of grower and finisher turkeys. Five grower and finisher diets were respectively formulated such that rice-milling waste was substituted for maize at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The poults were randomly assigned to the five experimental diets, having 20 poults per treatment. Each treatment group was replicated twice with 10 poults per replicate at the grower and finisher phases. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. The study lasted 20 weeks covering a growing period of 16 weeks and finishing period of 4 weeks. Haematological indices of interest (Hb, PCV, WBC, RBC) and blood chemistry measurement (Creatine, Urea, Alkaline phosphate, Albumen and Globulin) were measured. Results obtained showed that substituting maize with 50% RMW produced superior blood quality in terms of Hb counts, white blood cell and red blood cells at the grower and finisher phases. Considering the biochemical values, 50% substitution also proved superior to other treatment groups in terms of Albumen, Globulin and Total protein concentration, at the grower and finisher phases.It was concluded that, substituting maize with 50% rice milling waste enhanced the haematological values and serum biochemical indices in grower and finisher turkeys, which in turn led to, enhanced biological performance of the turkeys placed on this diet.Keywords: Local turkeys, Haematological indices, blood chemistry and rice milling waste