Hematological and Serum Biochemical Profiles of Hubbard Broiler Chickens Fed Fermented Brewers Dried Grain as Replacement for Maize

A 42-days trial evaluated the effects of replacing maize with fermented brewers dried grain (FBDG) on hematology, serum biochemistry, and electrolyte profiles of broiler chickens. 300 one-day-old Hubbard broiler chicks were assigned to five treatments (6 replicates of 10 birds each) under a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Diets were formulated isonitrogenous and isocaloric according to NRC requirements. Treatment 1 (control) contained no FBDG, while T2, T3, T4, and T5 replaced maize with FBDG at 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 %, respectively. Solid-state fermentation significantly upgraded raw BDG: Crude Protein (18.0 to 27.1%), Ash (5.08 to 6.89%), and Metabolizable Energy (1980 to 2980 kcal/kg) increased, whereas Crude Fiber (16.0 to 10.01%) and Ether Extract (4.98 to 3.91%) decreased. Hematological indices (PCV, Hb, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in FBDG groups (T2–T5) than T1. Similarly, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and bicarbonate were elevated in T2–T5 relative to T1. Conversely, serum AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine were not significantly affected. In conclusion, solid-state fermentation enhances the bio-nutritional value of BDG, and replacing maize up to 20% with FBDG improves oxygen-carrying capacity, protein metabolism, mineral balance, and hypocholesterolemic status without inducing hepato-renal stress.