Effects of substituting groundnut cake with acacia seed kernel meal on performance, haematology, serum biochemical parameters and economy of production of broilers

The study examined the effects of replacing groundnut cake (GNC) with Acacia nilotica seed kernel meal (ASKM) in the diets of broilers and the effects of such on performance characteristics, haematology and serum chemistry of the birds. ASKM was included in the diets at 0, 10 and 20% levels. 20% ASKM dietary level significantly (P < 0.05) decreased body weight gain and feed intake. Broilers fed 10% ASKM had the highest feed intake and consequently gained more weight and had the best feed conversion ratio. Serum metabolites were not affected by the treatment except alkaline phosphatasc and billirubin that were significantly (P < 0.05) lowered by 20% inclusion of ASKM. 20% ASKM significantly (P < 0.05) increased the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) of broilers. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the relative weight of organs of broilers fed graded levels of ASKM. This study suggests that broilers could be raised on a diet containing 10% ASKM, since the birds fed 10% ASKM had the lowest feed cost / kg (#) and highest total revenue (#) and economic efficiency.Key words: Acacia seed kernel meal, broiler, and production performance