Effects of Feed Restriction and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Haematological Parameters of Marshall Broiler Chickens

Background/Objectives: To determine the effects of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on haematological parameters of Marshall broiler chickens.

Methods/Statistical analysis: Birds were distributed into 12 treatments with 3 replicates of 7 birds each, subjected to 4 feed restriction levels: full feeding (AD), skip a day feeding (S1D), skip 2 days feeding (S2D) and skip 3 days feeding every week (S3D) for 24 hours from days 15 to 35 and 3 levels of ascorbic acid supplementation (0, 150, 300 mg/kg feed). Feed was provided ad libitum to all the birds from days 36 to 56. Results: Birds on S1D fed diets containing 150 mg/kg ascorbic acid had the highest (p<0.05) Packed Cell Volume (31.00%), Haemoglobin (10.37 g/dl) and Red Blood Cell (2.64×1012/l) during feed restriction. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in the White Blood Cell differential counts during feed restriction which indicate that feed restriction did not create any significant stress in the birds. Birds on S2D fed diets containing 150 mg/kg ascorbic acid had the lowest (p<0.05) White Blood Cell count of 21.27×109/l during realimentation. Conclusion/Application: The effects of interaction of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation at 150 mg/kg feed was beneficial as they improved the haematology of feed-restricted Marshall broiler chickens.