Carcass yield, organoleptic and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens fed activated charcoal

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty five (225) unsexed Marshal Broiler chicks were used to investigate the carcass yield, organoleptic and serum biochemistry of broilers fed activated charcoal. The broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, supplemented with activated charcoal at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Each treatment was grouped in three replicate with 15 birds per replicate. At the end of 8 weeks experimental period, a total of 15 broiler chickens were used for both carcass and blood analysis with three birds per treatment. Data was collected on carcass characteristics, sensory evaluation, and blood serum cholesterol. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in the values of dressed weight, eviscerated weight, gizzard, abdominal fat, heart and spleen, while other carcass parameters were not significantly (P > 0.05) different. The result of the sensory evaluation were significant in all the parameters measured, while the serum biochemical analysis showed that SGOT (serum glutamine oxaloacetic transminase, SGPT (serum glutamine phosphates transminase), albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) different except alkaline phosphates and SGPT that were not significantly different. However, activated charcoal would serve as a good source of growth promoter for broiler birds to improve feed efficiency and their health. It is therefore concluded that at 0.5% activated charcoal supplementation increased relative organ weights, reduced cholesterol level of the broiler meat as a result or efficient mineral intake and nutrient utilization due to the absorptive effect of the activated charcoal.