Effect of different processing methods of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood biochemical and hematological parametersof broiler chickens

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different processing methods of pigeon pea (Pp; Cajanus cajan ) on fattening performance and carcass traits as well as blood biochemical and hematological parameters of broiler chickens. For this purpose, 300 day-old chicks were assigned to 5 treatments. Each treatment had 5 replicates and contained 12 birds each under a completely randomized design. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated with the inclusion of pigeon pea crushed (control, PPC), boiled with potash (PPP), boiled (PPB), soaked (PPS), or roasted (PPR) at the rate of 20% of the basal diet. The highest values of weight gain were observed in chicks fed the PPP diet through the starter and overall periods. Throughout the starter phase, the feed conversion ratio was significantly affected by dietary treatments. Highest values for carcass and breast weight were observed in birds fed the PPP diet as compared to the control diet. Blood biochemical parameters were not statistically influenced by Pp treatments. Hematology was also similar in all the diets. In conclusion, PPP can be used as a protein source in broiler diets and it can improve the growth performance of broilers.