ABSTRACT
The rising cost of commercial poultry feed, which accounts for 60-70% of total broiler production costs, has fueled the demand for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. This study assesses the synergistic nutritional effects of an organic waste-based feed formulated from garri waste, fish waste, bean shafts, and egg shells in a 1:1:1:1 ratio on the growth performance, hematological indices, biochemical markers, and lipid profile of 4–8-week-old broilers. A total of 30 broiler chickens were divided into three feeding groups (n = 10): Group 1 (commercial feed - CF), Group 2 (formulated feed - FF), and Group 3 (a combination of commercial and formulated feed - CF+FF in a 1:1 ratio). Weekly growth measurements were taken, and blood samples were tested for hematological and biochemical responses. The findings revealed that broilers fed the formulated feed (FF) gained the most weight (6.72 kg at week 8), outperforming those fed commercial feed (3.46 kg). The FF group showed increased Packed Cell Volume (PCV: 63.7%) and White Blood Cell count (WBC: 13.4 × 10⁶/µl), indicating improved immune function and oxygen transport. Furthermore, lipid profile analysis revealed lower LDL cholesterol (24.8 mg/dL in FF versus 27.4 mg/dL in CF), indicating improved fat metabolism. These findings show that garri waste, fish waste, bean shafts, and egg shells are a nutritious and cost-effective alternative to commercial broiler feeds. The synergistic effects of these organic waste ingredients improve protein intake, energy balance, and mineral absorption, resulting in faster broiler growth, better health parameters, and leaner meat production. This study supports the incorporation of organic waste into poultry diets as a viable strategy for lowering feed costs, reducing environmental waste, and promoting sustainable poultry farming
