Abstract

Background: There has been an increase in the use of agricultural by-products such as toasted date seeds (TDS) as alternative feed ingredients is recommended to reduce production costs and maximize income in broiler chickens.
Aim: This study investigated the effect of graded levels of toasted date seeds (TDS) on serum lipid profiles of three strains of broiler chickens (Arbor Acres, Cobb 500, and Ross 308).
Methods: A total of 150 day-old broiler chicks (1.5 ± 2Kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g TDS/kg diet) in a completely randomized design, with each treatment replicated three times. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for lipid profile: total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and serum protein profile: total protein, albumin, and globulin. Data were subjected to ANOVA, and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at P < 0.05.
Results: There was significant (P < 0.05) effects of strain, treatment, and their interaction on both lipid and serum profiles. Inclusion of TDS modulated serum lipid profile by reducing total cholesterol and LDL in some strains, while enhancing HDL levels. Total protein and globulin concentrations were significantly elevated in the Arbor Acre strain under moderate inclusion levels, suggesting improved immune competence.
Conclusion: The findings that TDS can be safely included in broiler diets up to 0.75g without compromising metabolic health, and may improve lipid metabolism and protein synthesis, depending on strain.

Key words: Toasted date seeds; Broiler chickens; Strains; Lipid profile; Protein profile