Maize Replacement Value of Rice Milling Waste Diets with or without Enzyme Supplementation on Haematological and Serum Biochemistry indices of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This study evaluated the maize replacement value of rice milling waste (RMW) diets with or without enzyme supplementation on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 280 one-day-old Abor Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with a control. The treatments included a control diet (100% maize-based basal diet), and six test diets where maize was replaced by RMW at three levels (20%, 30%, and 40%) with or without enzyme supplementation. Birds were reared for 49 days under standard management. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment to determine haematological indices and serum biochemical profiles. Results showed that replacing maize with RMW up to 30% inclusion did not adversely affect packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red and white blood cell counts, or differential counts when enzyme was added. However, higher inclusion levels (40%) without enzyme supplementation resulted in elevated liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, ALP), suggesting mild metabolic stress. Enzyme supplementation maintained normal physiological responses across all inclusion levels. The study demonstrates that RMW can effectively replace up to 30% of maize in broiler diets with enzyme support, offering a sustainable, cost-effective alternative feed ingredient.