Abstract
The rising cost of conventional feed ingredients is a major constraint to broiler chicken production in Nigeria. This study evaluated nutrient
utilization, growth and economics of broiler chicken production with the use of high-quality cassava peels (HQCP) as sustainable, lower-cost feed
alternatives. 150 day-old chicks of the Ross strain broiler chicken were randomly distributed to five dietary treatments of three replicates each in a
28-day trial. Each replicate consist of ten birds. HQCP replaced 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% maize in the control diet (T1) as T2, T3, T4 and T5
respectively. A 5-days digestibility trial was performed when birds were 21 days. Two birds of uniform body weight from each of the fifteen (15)
replicates were picked at random and fed test diets in the digestibility cage. Body weight changes were recorded during the digestibility trial.
Performance indices were measured. Results showed a significant (P < 0.05) effect of HQCP on all growth parameters, digestibility coefficients
and economic indices. The final body weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake increased as HQCP in the diets increased up to 25% and
decreased (P < 0.05) between 50% and 100% of HQCP replacements. Digestibility of nutrients was affected (P < 0.05) by inclusion of high-quality
cassava peel in the diets. Cost of feed decreased (P < 0.05) with increased HQCP inclusions in diets. The result of the study indicated that unit gain
of weight was sacrificed on 75% and 100% HQCP diets. 50% HQCP replacement for maize with HQCP is hereby recommended in broiler starter
diets.
Keywords: broiler, digestibility, growth, high-quality cassava peel, maize, utilization,
jaerem NEW M. A. Akinsuyi 22
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