Effect of processed fish wastes supplementation on blood biochemical and meat composition of broiler chicken

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 (1)3). All diets were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. GI, GII and Gill were fed with Dl, 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.