Performance, carcass characteristics and economy of production of broilers fed maize grit and brewers' dried grain

Abstract

A 28 – day feeding trial involving ninety six (96) four weeks old broiler chicks was conducted to investigate the effect of total replacement of maize with different combination ratios of maize grit and Brewers' Dried Grain (BDG) on the performance, carcass characteristics and economy of finisher broilers. Four experimental diets were formulated by substituting maize with maize grit and BDG at the ratio of T₁ (0%, control), T ₂ (3:1-45 + 15%), T ₃ (1:1-30+30%) and T₄ (1:3-15+45%) respectively and the birds randomly assigned to the four diets. Each experimental unit of 24 birds was replicated twice giving 12 birds per replicate in a completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. Performance indices showed that body weight and weight gain of birds placed on the control diet were significantly (p<0.05) higher, compared to the other treatment groups (T ₂, T ₃, T ₄, which were not significantly (p>0.05) different in weight gain. Body weight and weight gain per feed intake though higher and at high cost with the control diet, improved in cheaper diets formulated with maize grit and BDG. There was no consistency in the carcass characteristics of the groups particularly among the internal organs showing that dietary maize grit and BDG could not pose any discernible nutritional problems that might manifest in the carcass of the broilers. Cheaper feeds formulated with maize grit and BDG gave the higher gross margins especially diet 4.

Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2(2) 2006: 81-85