Abstract:
This research is to ascertain the role of cocks in boosting poultry production by determining the average quantity of MSG required for effective performance of the cocks as it tends to improve the reproductive functions and growth functions of the cocks. Six dietary treatments of 5 administration levels of MSG (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25%) and a control diet were formulated for the experiment according to the standards of AOAC. A total of 150 cocks purchased at 20 weeks of age were weighed and randomly assigned to each of the six treatments, replicated 5 times with 5 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. The cocks were fed grower mash and provided with water regularly for a period of 10 weeks. The results showed that serum biochemical indices of cocks were significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the dietary inclusion of MSG. Serum proteins reduced as the inclusion level of MSG increased in the diet while AST, ALP, Creatinine, Bilirubin and urea increased with increase in the inclusion level of MSG. Total proteins of the Olfactory lobe and Cerebellum of the brains of cocks were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by MSG; Cocks fed control diet had the highest value (0.23±0.003) for olfactory lobe while those fed diets containing 1.00g/kg and 1.25g/kg recorded the least values (0.17±0.017 and 0.17±0.012). Apart from the olfactory lobe, acetylcholinesterase activities of the brain of cocks were also significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dietary inclusion of MSG. Cocks fed control diet had the best value (24.40±0.159ng/dl) of testosterone; Cocks fed diet containing 0.25g/kg and 1.25g/kg of MSG recorded the highest value (4.32±0.139ml) and least value (3.64±0.023ml) of insulin respectively while Cocks fed diet containing 0.50g/kg and 1.25g/kg of MSG recorded the highest value (29.90±0.136ng/ml) and least value (23.50±0.192ng/ml) of IGF respectively. The specific acetylcholinesterase activity of brain of cocks was significantly influenced in the olfactory and optic lobes. It is therefore concluded that MSG could only be included in the diets of cocks at the maximum of 0.50g/kg without impairment to the normal physiological functions of the cocks.
