Haematological and serum indices, carcass traits and sensory evaluation of meat derived from broiler chickens fed Zymomonas mobilis treated corn cobs

A 56-day study was conducted to determine the effects of Zymomonas mobilis treated corn cobs (ZTCC) on haematological and serum indices, carcass traits and sensory evaluation of meat of broiler chickens. 375 one-day old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments with 75 broiler chicks per treatment and replicated 5 times with 15 birds each. Diets were formulated to include untreated corn cobs (UTCC) and ZTCC at varying levels of 0, 50 and 100% to replace wheat offal weight for weight. Experimental design was completely randomized design. At the starting phase, UTCC and ZTCC decreased (p < 0.05) the red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), but increased (p < 0.05) mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The values of total protein, albumin and cholesterol (except in 100% ZTCC) were decreased (p < 0.05) across the treatments. At the finishing phase, broilers fed with UTCC and ZTCC had reduced (p < 0.05) packed cell volume, haemaglobin while RBC increased with 50% ZTCC. The birds fed 50% UTCC had highest (p < 0.05) values for total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid and alanine amino-transferase. The birds fed 100% ZTCC had highest (p < 0.05) values for glucose, cholesterol, creatinine and aspartate amino-transferase. The dietary treatments influenced (p < 0.05) the live weight, dressed weight, eviscerated weight and dressing percentage. Breast meat samples from 100% UTSD and 50% ZTSD showed improved colour, flavour and overall acceptability values. In conclusion, up to 100% UTCC and ZTCC can replace wheat offal in broiler chicken diets without deleterious effects on their health status.