Haematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Local Turkey Poults Fed Diets Containing Two Varieties of Sorghum

These studies were conducted to determine the effects of two varieties of sorghum, Samsorg 17 and ICSV 400 on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of local turkey breeds, reared in Nigeria. Two hundred and sixteen poults were divided into 9 treatment groups of 24 each, which were further replicated thrice and fed starter diets containing Samsorg 17 and ICSV 400. Similar (P > 0.05) RBC and PCV values were obtained with the two diets. Samsorg 17 fed poults produced lower, though not significantly (P > 0.05) serum albumin, glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride, ALP, SGPT and SGOT values than those on ICSV 400 diet. Higher RBC, MCHC, MCH, MCV and PCV values were observed with Samsorg 17 fed turkeys than those on ICSV 400 diets. Serum glucose and creatinine decreased and SGOT increased with dietary sorghum. Similar (p > 0.05) Hb, WBC, MCHC, MCV and PCV values were obtained in all groups. Values of serum biochemical indices assayed except urea, calcium, potassium and chloride showed no significant (p > 0.05) differences among the treatment groups. It was therefore concluded that Samsorg 17 and ICSV 400 sorghum varieties could sustain local turkey production without any on toward effects on their haematological and serum biochemical indices.