Research ArticlesAnimal Biology & Genetics

Influence of onion skin waste on growth performance, carcass characteristics, physiological responses, and histological indices of broiler chickens

Adelowo Olayinka V., Oshibanjo Olusegun D., Aka-Tanimo Akeem, Olaiya Olalekan D., Dampo Vivian Aron, Igwe Kingsley, Ashom Ezekiel Bitrus, Lukshik Freeman Phillip, Oso Cynthia, Nokshwan Timak Samuel

Adelowo Olayinka V. — Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, N.V.R.I., Vom, Plateau State (adelowoolayinka@gmail.com)

Oshibanjo Olusegun D. — Department of Animal Science, University of Jos, Plateau state

Aka-Tanimo Akeem — Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, N.V.R.I., Vom, Plateau State

Olaiya Olalekan D. — Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, N.V.R.I., Vom, Plateau State

Dampo Vivian Aron — Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State

Igwe Kingsley — Department of Animal Science, University of Jos, Plateau state

Ashom Ezekiel Bitrus — Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State

Lukshik Freeman Phillip — Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State

Oso Cynthia — Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State

Nokshwan Timak Samuel — Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of onion peel waste (Allium cepa L.) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, hematology, biochemistry, and intestinal histology of broiler chickens. A total of 200 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 g of onion peel per 25 kg of feed) using a completely randomized design for 56 days. Results showed that moderate inclusion levels (2.5–5.0 g) significantly enhanced growth performance, weight gain, and carcass yield, while higher levels (7.5–10.0 g) reduced performance but improved feed conversion ratios. Nutrient digestibility, especially crude protein and ether extract, was positively influenced by onion peel supplementation. Histological examination revealed no adverse effects on intestinal morphology across treatments. Hematological parameters remained largely unaffected, while biochemical indices such as albumin, total protein, and globulin improved significantly at higher inclusion levels. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. The study concludes that onion peel waste can serve as a sustainable, functional feed additive that enhances broiler productivity and carcass quality without detrimental health effects. Further studies are recommended to optimize the dosage for maximum benefit.

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Publication Info

Published in: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

Pages: 213 - 236

DOI: 10.xxxxx/jjaases.2026.b8315ed2

License: CC-BY-4.0

OA
Open Access (CC-BY 4.0)

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Submitted: 9/15/2026

Accepted: 9/15/2026

Published: 9/19/2026

Disclosures

Funding:

No specific funding was declared for this work.

Conflict of Interest:

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.