Plasma Glucose, Protein and Cholesterol Levels of Chicks or Birds Maintained on Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Seed Containing Diet

Abstract

Proximate analysis of dehusked Carica papaya seeds indicated the presence of the following constituents: Ash, 6.0%; fat, 14%; fiber, 18%; protein 23.1% and carbohydrates, 28.6%. Plasma assays of glucose, protein and cholesterol in the blood of birds maintained on the diet were determined and compared with the control. The birds were grouped into A (control), B (Intermediate group) and group C (test group). The parameters assayed exhibited the following results: Group A (190.05±1.61) range 42.70 mg/dl; 6.39±0.15) range 0.80 g/dl and (107.68±12.50), range 42.70 mg/dl; for glucose, protein and cholesterol respectively. For the intermediate group (group B), the following were derived for the parameters: (194.90±1.60) range 3.20 mg/dl; 6.41±0.05 (range 0.4 mg/dl) and 114.13±18.30 (range 25.0 mg/dl). For group C (test group), the following values were derived: 201.75±5.50 (range 19.50 mg/dl) 6.40±0.20 (range 0.80 mg/dl) and 104.98±3.30 (range 14.10 mg/dl) respectively. The average weight gain for the respective groups were: 268±0.18 (range 0.23 kg) for group A; 278±0.04 (range 0.13 kg) for group B and 2.96±0.08 (range 0.34 kg) for group C. The amount of food consumed were as follows: 5.13±1.40 (range 4.5 kg), 6.17±2.60 (range 6.4 kg) and 7.70±3.8 (range 8.8 kg) respectively; while the feed efficiency values were as follows: 0.37±0.03 (range 0.22), 0.33±0.01 (range 0.31) and 0.31±0.06 (range 0.49 respectively. Statistical analysis at p>0.5 indicated no significant difference in the means of the parameters investigated. Dehusked seeds of Carica papaya could be nutritionally, economically and therapeutically beneficial in poultry farming and management.