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

Alade, A. A.¹*, Bamgbose, A. M.² , Oso, A. O.² , Akinbode, R. M.² , Oke, O. E.³ , Fafiolu, A. O.² , Sobayo, R. O.² and Obadina, F. J.⁴

¹Africa Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
²Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
³Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
⁴Goverment Science and Technical College, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2020 23(2): 47-61

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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.