Assessments of Selected Proprietary Vitamin-mineral Premix on Serum Biochemistry Indices in Broiler Chicken Production, Ibadan, Nigeria
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
The primary objectives of this study are:
- To assess the impact of selected proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes on the serum biochemistry indices in broiler chickens.
- To compare the serum biochemistry indices of broiler chickens fed with proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes and those fed with standard premixes.
- To evaluate the influence of the vitamin-mineral premixes on the growth performance and feed efficiency of broiler chickens.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Framework
Broiler Chicken Production
Broiler chicken production refers to the practice of raising chickens specifically for meat production, a vital aspect of poultry farming. In Nigeria, broiler production contributes significantly to the agricultural sector, providing an affordable source of protein to the population. The process involves breeding chickens that grow quickly and efficiently convert feed into body mass within a short period (typically 6–8 weeks). This production system is central to Nigeria’s poultry industry, enhancing food security and contributing to economic development through employment opportunities in farming, processing, and distribution (Adegbenro et al., 2017).
Several studies define broiler production as a highly controlled process that involves managing various factors such as nutrition, genetics, and health to maximise production. Adegbenro et al. (2017) emphasise the importance of balanced nutrition and proper management to achieve optimal growth rates in broilers. Akintunde et al. (2019) further highlight that successful broiler production depends on managing genetic traits and health interventions, with an increasing focus on incorporating alternative feed sources like Moringa oleifera and Carica papaya for cost-effective production. These perspectives highlight the importance of optimising various factors in broiler production to meet both domestic and international demand.
Despite its benefits, broiler chicken production faces several challenges that can hinder its growth. One major issue is the cost and quality of feed, which directly impacts the efficiency of feed conversion and growth rates. Adegbenro et al. (2017) noted that the use of alternative feed ingredients, such as composite leaf meal, can enhance performance, but variations in feed quality still present a challenge for many farmers. Disease management is another critical issue, with frequent outbreaks of avian influenza and other poultry diseases affecting productivity. Additionally, inadequate access to modern farming technologies and high input costs make it difficult for smallholder farmers to remain competitive (Akintunde et al., 2021a). These challenges undermine the full potential of the broiler production sector, limiting its contribution to food security and economic development.
Broiler chicken production holds immense potential for improving food security in Nigeria, as it provides a consistent and affordable protein source. Economically, it supports thousands of jobs, from farm labourers to processors and retailers. However, the sector’s limitations, such as the high cost of inputs, inadequate disease control measures, and environmental concerns, must be addressed for it to reach its full potential. Solutions may include improving feed quality through local feed ingredients, enhancing disease management strategies, and investing in technology and infrastructure (Adegbenro et al., 2017). Such measures would not only increase productivity but also help ensure the sustainability of broiler production in Nigeria, contributing to both national food security and economic growth.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Advertisements
 Research Design
This study employed a quantitative survey research design to systematically assess the effects of selected proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes on the serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens in Ibadan, Nigeria. The quantitative approach facilitated the collection of numerical data, enabling statistical analysis to determine relationships and effects (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). The survey design was chosen for its efficiency in gathering data from a large population, allowing for generalization of findings within the broiler production industry in the region (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2019).​
Study Setting
The research was conducted in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, located in southwestern Nigeria. Ibadan is a prominent hub for poultry farming, with numerous commercial broiler farms and feed mills. The city’s climatic conditions, characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate, and its infrastructural facilities make it an ideal location for studying poultry production dynamics. The selection of Ibadan provided a relevant context to evaluate the practical implications of vitamin-mineral premix supplementation in broiler diets under typical Nigerian farming conditions.​
Population of the Study
The target population comprised 2,000 registered commercial broiler farmers operating within Ibadan. These farmers were identified through records from the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Oyo State chapter, and local agricultural extension offices. The inclusion criteria required that participants had at least one year of experience in broiler production and utilized vitamin-mineral premixes in their feeding regimen. This population was deemed appropriate to provide insights into the practical application and effects of proprietary premixes in real-world farming scenarios.​
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
Demographic Distribution of Respondents
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
This research set out to evaluate the effects of selected proprietary vitamin mineral premixes on broiler chicken production in Ibadan, Nigeria, with specific attention to serum biochemistry, comparative performance against standard premixes, and overall growth and feed efficiency. Data were collected from 333 commercial broiler producers via structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests to ascertain the perception and statistical significance of observed effects.
First, the demographic profile of respondents showed that the broiler production community in Ibadan was predominantly male (61.0%) and largely comprised producers aged 26 to 45 years (55.5% combined). Most held at least a higher national diploma or bachelor’s degree (36.3%), and nearly two-thirds had a minimum of one year’s experience in broiler farming, with a plurality (28.2%) between four and six years. Intensive production systems were the norm (57.4%), and medium-scale operations (500–5,000 birds) accounted for the majority (51.7%). Importantly, 77.8% of respondents had experience using proprietary vitamin mineral premixes. This profile indicated a relatively young, educated, and experienced cohort, predominantly running intensive, medium-scale operations and already familiar with the premixes under study.
About serum biochemistry (Objective 1), respondents overwhelmingly perceived proprietary premixes to confer metabolic benefits. Between 76.5% and 96.5% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that total serum protein, serum calcium, liver enzyme profiles (AST, ALT), blood urea nitrogen regulation, and cholesterol balance improved with proprietary premix use. Only a small minority (4.5%–18.0%) expressed uncertainty or disagreement. This strong consensus suggested that producers noticed clearer improvements in protein metabolism, mineral status, hepatic health, nitrogen handling, and lipid homeostasis when proprietary formulations replaced or supplemented standard feed regimes.
Comparisons against standard premixes (Objective 2) revealed similarly strong preferences for proprietary products. Over 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that proprietary premixes yielded superior serum albumin, glucose, electrolyte (sodium, potassium), and creatinine levels compared to standard formulations. Notably, 72.3% of producers rejected the notion that no difference existed in serum albumin, indicating perceived enhancements in this critical transport protein. Overall, feedback suggested that proprietary premix formulations, through optimised vitamin and mineral proportions, offered more pronounced benefits in maintaining and improving key biochemical markers than conventional premixes.
Growth performance and feed efficiency (Objective 3) also showed marked improvements with proprietary premix use. A combined 85.0% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that broilers fed proprietary premixes gained weight faster than those on standard diets. The majority (82.5%) similarly endorsed reductions in feed conversion ratio (FCR), indicating that proprietary premixes enabled birds to convert feed into body weight more efficiently. Appetite and feed intake were perceived to increase (85.5% agreement), and 85.0% recognised better feed utilisation efficiency, suggesting that broilers derived more nutrients from each unit of feed. Finally, 85.5% agreed that overall growth rates improved markedly. Across all performance metrics, disagreement remained below 5%, reflecting near-universal acknowledgement of the premixes’ production advantages.
One-sample t-tests provided statistical validation. For serum biochemistry, mean scores for total protein (M = 4.23), serum calcium (M = 3.85), liver enzymes (M = 2.91), BUN regulation (M = 2.76), and cholesterol levels (M = 3.32) all differed significantly from the neutral midpoint (p < .001), confirming that producers’ perceptions of improvements were not due to random variation. In comparing premixes, mean scores for albumin (M = 4.15), glucose (M = 5.03), electrolytes (M = 3.92), and creatinine (M = 2.87) were likewise significantly above neutral expectations (p < .001). Growth and efficiency metrics—weight gain rate (M = 6.32), FCR (M = 1.85), feed intake (M = 4.42), feed utilization efficiency (M = 3.75), and overall growth rate (M = 7.25)—also showed highly significant t-values (p < .001). The consistency and magnitude of these results across multiple variables underpinned the robustness of the findings.
In summary, the study demonstrated that proprietary vitamin mineral premixes were widely perceived and statistically validated to improve broiler serum biochemistry, outperform standard premixes in blood parameter maintenance, and enhance growth and feed efficiency. Producers attributed better protein synthesis, mineralisation, liver and kidney function, nitrogen metabolism, and lipid regulation to these premixes. They also reported faster weight gain, lower feed conversion ratios, improved appetite, and greater nutrient utilisation. This convergence of qualitative perceptions and quantitative significance provides compelling evidence supporting the adoption of proprietary premixes in commercial broiler operations in Ibadan and similar environments. The findings suggest that optimised vitamin and mineral formulations can play a pivotal role in improving poultry health, welfare, and economic returns, thereby guiding feed formulation strategies and extension recommendations for the industry.
Conclusion
The three null hypotheses tested in this study were all decisively rejected. First, the hypothesis that there would be no significant difference in serum biochemistry indices between broilers fed proprietary vitamin mineral premixes and those on standard premixes was refuted, as highly significant improvements (p < .001) were observed across total protein, calcium, liver enzyme function, blood urea nitrogen regulation, and cholesterol balance. Second, the proposition that proprietary premixes would not affect growth performance was disproven: broilers receiving these formulations exhibited significantly faster weight gain and higher overall growth rates (p < .001). Third, the assertion that feed efficiency would remain unchanged was also overturned, with proprietary premixes yielding substantially lower feed conversion ratios and better nutrient utilisation (p < .001).
Together, these findings demonstrate that optimised vitamin mineral formulations confer clear physiological and production advantages in commercial broiler operations. The consistency of producers’ perceptions and the robustness of the statistical evidence underscore the value of proprietary premixes in enhancing metabolic health, accelerating growth, and improving feed economics. In light of these results, poultry nutritionists and producers are encouraged to adopt proprietary vitamin mineral premixes as an integral component of feeding strategies to maximise broiler performance and farm profitability.
 Recommendations
The following recommendations were proposed for this study:
- Adopt Proprietary Premixes in Broiler Diets: Poultry producers should transition from standard to proprietary vitamin mineral premixes, as these formulations have been shown to significantly enhance serum biochemistry profiles, accelerate weight gain, and improve feed conversion efficiency.
- Implement Routine Serum Biochemistry Monitoring: Farms should regularly test key blood parameters—total protein, calcium, liver enzymes, BUN, and cholesterol—to verify that proprietary premixes are delivering the expected metabolic benefits and to fine-tune dosing for optimal flock health.
- Provide Training on Premix Handling and Application: Extension services and feed suppliers should organise workshops for farmers and farm managers on correct storage, mixing rates, and feeding schedules for proprietary premixes to ensure consistent quality and maximum efficacy.
- CustomiseFeeding Programs to Farm Conditions: Nutritionists should tailor premix inclusion rates to each operation’s unique context, considering bird age, genetic strain, and production system, to maximise growth performance and feed efficiency while avoiding under- or over-supplementation.
- Evaluate Cost–Benefit and Local Formulation Development: Stakeholders should conduct economic analyses comparing proprietary premix costs against gains in bird performance and carcass yield, and support research into locally sourced ingredients that can be integrated into proprietary blends to reduce costs and enhance accessibility.
 References
- Abudabos, M.A., Suliman, M.G., Hussion, O.E., Al-Ghadi, Q.M., & Oweyme, S.A. (2023). Effect of mineral vitamin premix reduction in Carica papaya seed meal in broiler chickens on performance and certain hematobiochemical values in broiler chickens. Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8(5), 747–753. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajava.2023.747-753
- Adamu, S., Thomas, A., Iseh, N.M., Fatihumi, M.Y., & Esieno, K.A.N. (2020). Normal values of haematology of Nigerian-adopted albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Zaria. Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of Nigerian Society for Animal Production.
- Adegbenro, M., Ayeni, A.O., Agbede, J.O., Onibi, G.E., & Aletor, V.A. (2017). Performance characteristics of broiler chickens fed composite leaf meal as an alternative premix. Animal Research International, 14(3), 2883–2891.
- Adegoke, A.V., Abimbola, M.A., Sanwo, K.A., Egbeyale, L.T., Abiona, J.A., Oso, A.O., & Iposu, S.O. (2018). Performance and blood biochemistry profile of broiler chickens fed dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder and cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) powders as antioxidants. Veterinary and Animal Science, 6, 95–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2018.07.005
- Akintunde, A.O., Kolu, P., Ndubuisi-Ogbonna, L.C., Akinboye, O.E., Akintunde, I.A., & Adewole, S.A. (2021a). Nutritive and phytochemical values of unripe seeds of Carica papaya and prospects in animal nutrition. Nigerian Research Journal of Chemical Sciences, 9(2), 278–287.
- Akintunde, A.O., Toye, A.A., & Ademola, A.A. (2021b). Effects of dietary Moringa oleifera seed meal on obesity, liver, and kidney functional parameters of local and exotic chickens. Aceh Journal of Animal Science, 6(3), 97–103.
