Growth performance, haematology and serum lipid profile of broiler chickens fed three varieties of ripe Solanum melongena fruit meal supplements

The growth, haematological and serum characteristics of Cobb broilers (n = 112) fed inclusions of ripe Solanum melongena fruit meal (SMFM) varieties were incorporated in a 56-day trial. The completely randomized design was employed in assigning day-old chicks to four labeled groups (T1-T4) with four replications. Dietary treatment of SMFM varieties was according to study groups such that T1 had Abia var. Okpokwe, T2 contained Nsukka Ind × Jos, T3 enclosed Nsukka Ind × Nsukka Local, while T4 was control. Daily feed intake and weekly weights furnished the growth assay of the chicks, while their blood assessment was done at the termination of the study. Data analyzed showed T4 to have better (p < 0.05) final weights (2740.50 g), feed intake (131.39 g) and weight gain (48.13 g) than SMFM groups. Red blood cell count was highest (p < 0.05) in T2 and T3 (10.87 × 106 and 10.88 × 106 mm3, respectively) and lowly in T1 and T4 (10.04 × 106 mm3 each). Haemoglobin concentration was highest (p < 0.05) in T2 and T3 (8.73, 8.98 g dL–) and lowest in T4 (7.55 g dL–1). Treated birds had better (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol and lipoproteins than the control. Triglyceride of T4 (117.75 g dL–1) was different (p < 0.05) from T1 and T2 (107.00, 107.67 g dL–1) but similar (p > 0.05) to T3 (109.00 g dL–1). The SMFM varieties, mostly Nsukka Ind × Jos (T2), independently promoted superior haematology and serum lipid profile but poor growth of test broilers.