Title: Effect Of Black Pepper (Xylopia Aethiopica) Uda Seed Meal On Growth, Heamatology, And Serum Biochemical Indices Of Starter Broiler Chickens
Authors: Nkechi L. Okoro and Patience N. Onu
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 99-106
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
The study evaluated the effects of Black pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) uda seed meal as a substitute for antibiotics on starter broiler chicken performance. Sixty (60) broiler 7 day old chicks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups in a Completely Randomized Design, with each treatment replicated three times with four (4) birds per replicate and house in a compartment measuring 1.5m2 x 1.5m2 for 4 weeks Black pepper seed meal was administered through drinking water at concentrations of 0.5g (T3), 1g (T4), and 1.5g (T5) per liter, while T2 received 0.2g antibiotics/liter, and T1 (control) had no additives. Results showed that black pepper seed meal significantly (p<0.05) improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio, with birds in T4 and T5 having more superior performance than the antibiotic and control groups. Hematological parameters (PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, lymphocytes) significantly (p<0.05) improved with black pepper seed meal, while MCV, MCHC, and MCH remained unaffected. Serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly reduced, while protein levels and kidney function markers were not affected. Feed cost per kg weight gain was significantly lower and which gave higher revenue and net returns. It was recommended that black pepper seed meal can be used as a substitute to the performance of starter broiler chickens.