Abstract

Aim: Purpose of the study was to investigate the gains and utilization of crayfish waste meal in broiler finisher diet on the performance indices, haematological and biochemical indices and the impact on cost and returns.

Method and materials: Crayfish waste was collected, sorted and sieved to remove dirt. It was then milled into fine powdery substance to make crayfish waste meal. The crayfish waste meal was used to formulate four broiler finisher rations at 0.00%, 1.00%. 2.00% and 3.00% of 100kg of feed representing T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Four groups of fifteen broiler finisher chicks of Agrited breed were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets in a completely randomized design and fed for 28 days. Each group was further subdivided into three replicates of five birds.

Results: The haematological indices revealed that at T4 (3.00% crayfish waste meal), haemoglobin, red blood cell, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration and clotting time were significantly increased p<0.05 compared to the control, T1 (0.00% crayfish waste meal). Biochemical indices showed that total proteins, globulins, creatinine and urea were significantly increased at T4 (3.00% crayfish waste meal) compared to the control, T1 (0.00% crayfish waste meal). Cost and returns analysis showed that cost per kg weight gain and cost of feed consumed were reduced considerably at T4 (3.00% crayfish waste meal) with higher revenue and profit margin compared to the control, T1 (0.00% crayfish waste meal).

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