NL Journal of Veterinary and Animal Nutrition

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Impact of Fermented Urea-Untreated Orange Peel Meal on Haematological Parameters, Serum Biochemical Indices and Nutrient Metabolism in Broiler Chickens

Author(s) : Olawale Mojeed Akanbi*, Taiye Sunday Olugbemi, Moji Afolayan, Shehu Samuel Ndams, Habiba Iliyasu Atta.

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Abstract

In the face of escalating feed costs and protein scarcity in developing nations like Nigeria, orange peels a abundant agro-waste represent a promising alternative feed resource for broiler chickens when processed via solid-state fermentation to enhance nutritional value and reduce anti-nutritional factors. This study evaluated the impact of fermented urea-untreated orange peel meal (FUUOPM) included at 20% in broiler diets across varying fermentation durations (0, 3, 6 and 9 days) using Aspergillus niger on haematological parameters, serum biochemical indices and nutrient metabolism. 240-old Arbor Acre broilers were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments with four replicates of fifteen birds each, fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric starter (0–4 weeks) and finisher (5–8 weeks) diets formulated to NRC (2000) standards; blood samples were collected on day 56 for analysis and a 7-day digestibility trial was conducted using total faecal collection. Results showed that 3- and 6-day FUUOPM significantly (P<0.05) improved dry matter (87.24–89.12%), crude protein (84.44–85.73%) and crude fibre (85.17–87.22%) digestibility compared to control and 9-day treatments, enhanced mean corpuscular haemoglobin and volume and lowered serum cholesterol and triglycerides, particularly at 6 days; conversely, 9-day fermentation increased white blood cells (14,U14.95 × 10⁹/L) and glucose (189.50 mg/dl) but reduced total protein and lipid profiles. Overall, 3- to 6-day fermentation optimized nutrient bioavailability and physiological responses without adverse health effects. It is recommended that FUUOPM be fermented for 3–6 days before 20% dietary inclusion in broiler rations to maximize digestibility, support growth performance and ensure haematological and biochemical stability. Keywords: Health, Welfare, Diet, Livestock, Poultry.

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