MEAMATOLOGFICAL, AND BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF MEKGAND EGG-TYPE CHICKENS FED MAGGOT MEA%,

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted $0 assess the effect of maggot meaB on the
biochemica%a nd haematological indices of raaeat-and egg-type chickens. The
meat type clnickens were fed the experimental diet for '7 weeks and b%apod
samples collected at a week interval startirag from the 4'h meek. The egg type
chicken experiment lasted for 12 weeks and blood samples were collected
at Sweeks interval. A11 samples were aamalqrsed for biocl-semical indices on
replicate bases. In both the meat- an<-e%gg type chickens experiments maggot
meal replaced fish meal at grade levels of 0,25,50,75 and 100 percent.
The results generally did not indicietcs significant effect (p>0.05) for all
biochemical indices considered but for cholesterol. The cholesterol value
was significantly influenced (p~0.05b)y the use of maggot meal leading to
a reduction in cholesterol level with increased inclusion of both meat-and
egg-type chicken. Similarly egg yolk qualities of the egg type chickens also
showed reduction in cholesterol and calcium levels with increased inclusion
of maggot meal as replacement for fish meal. This reduction in cholesterol
levels is of dietetic and health importance, as it is suggestive of a panacea to
coronary diseases associated with hypercholesterearnea.