RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKS TO DIETS CONTAINING ROSSELE (Hibiscus sabdariffa) SEEDS WITH AND WITHOUT XAYLANASE ENZYME

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of rosella seed, as a protein source, with and without enzyme (xylam 500) on the performance, carcass yields and blood serum chemistry. One hundred and ninety six, seven day old unsexed broiler chicks, chobb strain, were used. Chicks were divided into seven groups of 28 chicks in each and randomly assigned to treatment diets (A, B, C, D, E, F and H), each treatment has 4 replicates. The first group A, fed on the control diet used, groups B, C, and D fed on diets containing 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0% rosella seed respectively, diet E, F and H fed on diet containing 5, 10, 15% rosella seed supplemented with enzyme respectively. Diets were formulated to meet the requirements of broiler chicks according to NRC (1994). Experimental diets were fed for 6 weeks. Experimental parameters covered growth performance, slaughter and carcass values, .serum metabolite, serum electrolyte and economical appraisal Results showed no significant differences on the performance (weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio and mortality rate) of chicks fed on diets containing graded levels of rosella seeds with or without enzyme. Although the supplementation of diets with enzyme improved the performance of chicks. Result also showed no significant different due to the inclusion of rosella seed or enzyme supplementation on 8 dressing percent, non carcass components commercial cuts and their .separable meat quality Result for serum metabolite, electrolyte and enzyme activities showed significant difference in serum cholesterol and level of AST and enzyme activity for chicks fed on control group while other values (total protein, uric acid, Ca and ALT) observed no significant difference on among all .tested groups Economically rosella seeds can be included in broiler diets as plant .(protein source up to 15%, supplemented with enzyme (xylam 500