Document Type : Full paper (Original article)
Authors
1
P.G. Student in Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, 680651, India
2
Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, 680651, India
Abstract
The experiment was conducted on forty five broiler chickens at 4 weeks of age, for a period of three
weeks, to assess the effect of complete replacement of fish meal with processed fish wastes (fish waste acid
silage and surimi waste powder) on the blood protein, lipid and antioxidant status in broiler chicken, even
though an earlier study indicated that this replacement induced normal growth rate and feed efficiency in
broilers. The quality of the meat and involvement of liver enzymes were also assessed in the study. At three
weeks of age, they were randomly divided into three groups viz., GI, GII and GIII of 15 birds each. Two
experimental diets (D2 and D3) were prepared by replacing 100 percent of dried unsalted fish (animal
protein) in the finisher ration of the control diet (D1) by processed fish waste acid silage (D2) and surimi
waste powder (D3). All diets were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. GI, GII and GIII were fed with D1,
D2 and D3 diets, respectively from the 4th to the 7th week of age. Blood samples were analysed to evaluate
the status of proteins, lipids, liver enzymes, antioxidants and minerals. Meat sample from the pectoral region was utilized for assessing the meat quality. The serum total protein, albumin and globulin were similar in all the groups and they expressed a positive correlation with age. Except for a decrease in HDL-cholesterol in GII birds, the total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were similar in all the groups at the end of the study. The liver enzymes (ALT and AST) expressed a similar level in all the groups but increased with increase of age. The antioxidants (SOD, Catalase, GSH and LPO) indicated an increased level with increase of age, but were similar in all the groups. The major elements (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and iron were similar in all the groups and were within the normal levels. The results indicated that processed fish wastes could be used for complete replacement of animal protein requirements in broiler feed, as it adequately meets the nutritional requirements, alleviates stress, has no toxicity and also maintains the meat quality.
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