Utilization of ensiled metabolizable mixture of cassava peel and caged layers’ manure as energy source in broiler diets

Abstract

An experiment was carried out in which dried cassava peel and dried caged layers’ manure mixed in ratio 5:1 (w/w) was ensiled for 14 days and the mixture used to partially replace maize, an expensive energy source in broiler diets in most developing countries at 0%, 25% and 50% dietary inclusion levels. The response of the birds to the different dietary inclusion of fermented mixture of cassava peel and caged layers’ manure (FCPCLM) as it affected performance, carcass cut-parts, serum proteins and enzymes was monitored in a completely randomized design trial. The study also evaluated the cost of feed and the suitability of FCPCLM as an alternative unconventional source of energy in broiler starter diet. A total of 90 day old chicks of Anark breed were divided into three groups containing three replicates each. There were ten birds per replicate. Each group of birds were fed each of the dietary treatment ad libitum for 56 days, divided into starter phase (0 to 28 days) and finisher phase (29 to 56 days). Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) protein efficiency ratio (PER), total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate amino transaminase (EC 2.6.1.1.1), alanine amino transaminase (EC 2.6.1.1.2) and carcass cut parts were determined. Results showed linear increase (p<0.05) in feed intake, live weight, body weight gain, FCR, and PER for all the phases during the experiment. The serum proteins and enzymes were not (p>0.05) influenced by treatments. The eviscerated weight, wings, breast and large intestine length were higher (p<0.05) in birds fed 50% replacement of maize by FCPCLM. The cost of feed per kilogramme and cost per kilogramme flesh gained was lowest and best (p<0.05) in broilers chicks fed 50% replacement of maize by FCPCLM. Therefore, FCPCLM in broiler starter diet at 50% dietary level support good performance, enhanced gain in eviscerated weight and reasonable cost per kilogramme gain without any noticeable effect on the serum indices and enzymes hence can be recommended for use by poultry farmers on subsistence production.
Key words: Fermentation, performance, carcass, cost, feed