Haematological and Some Serum Biochemical Response of Growing Cockerels to Dietary Diatomaceous Earth

Optimal performance with effective functioning of body system is dependent on the availability of balance ration including minerals which are found abundant in diatomaceous earth. This study aimed at assessing the haematological and serum biochemical response of birds to dietary diatomaceous earth. In a 12-week feeding trial, one hundred and twenty, 6-week old growing cockerels were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% Diatomaceous earth (DE) inclusion levels of total diet which constitute diets 1 (control), 2, 3 and 4 respectively, such that each treatment has 30 birds, and replicated in six places into 5 birds per replicate. Blood sample was collected from the birds at 6th and 12th weeks of the feeding trial for haematological and some serum biochemical indices as response criteria to dietary DE by the birds. The results showed that haematological indices such as packed cell volume, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, blood constants and leukocyte differential counts were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by varied levels of dietary DE. However, leukocyte counts were significantly (P < 0.05) lowered in birds fed 6% DE only at 6th week of the experiment. All the haematological parameters examined including leukocyte counts were within reported range of normal value for chickens. Total protein and alkaline phosphatase were not adversely affected. However, serum cholesterol was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in birds fed DE than the control birds but these values were still within the normal range. Circulating urea was significantly (P < 0.05) lowered in birds fed dietary DE as compared to the control. This study suggests that dietary inclusion of DE as food additive and mineral supplement will not adversely affect the haematological response and health status of cockerels.