Hematology and Serum Biochemical Indices of Broiler Starter Chicks fed Citrus Peel-Based Diet

The increasing cost of conventional poultry feed in Nigeria has prompted interest in sustainable alternatives such as agro-industrial by-products. This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of dried Citrus sinensis peel (DCSP) on the hematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler starter chicks. A total of 192-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly allotted to four diets with DCSP replacing wheat offal at 0% (control), 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% inclusion levels. Over a 4-week trial, birds were fed ad libitum and assessed for hematological and biochemical changes. Phytochemical analysis revealed high levels of saponins (20.60%), phenols (10.63%), and flavonoids (5.63%). Hematological indices such as packed cell volume, red blood cell count, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration remained statistically unaffected (P>0.05), while significant reductions (P<0.05) were observed at 7.5% DCSP for hemoglobin (7.67 g/dL), mean corpuscular volume (82.40 fL), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (33.40 pg) compared to the control group (10.50 g/dL, 115.63 fL, and 38.53 pg, respectively), suggesting potential anemia. Serum biochemical analysis showed significant increases (P<0.05) in total cholesterol (5.87 mg/dL), HDL (2.20 mg/dL), LDL (3.61 mg/dL), total protein (5.00 g/dL), alkaline phosphatase (61.77 IU/L), and creatinine (35.40 mg/dL) at 7.5% DCSP compared to control values. No significant effects were recorded for triglycerides or ALT activity. While moderate DCSP inclusion (≤5.0%) supported immune and liver function without adverse effects, higher levels impaired erythropoiesis and indicated possible hepatic and renal stress. The findings support the valorization of Citrus sinensis peel as a functional feed additive at optimal inclusion levels not exceeding 5%, offering a sustainable alternative in poultry nutrition.