Performance and carcass characteristics of finisher broilers fed varying levels of sun-dried cattle plasma

Abstract

A total of 96, four weeks old broiler birds of Anak strain were subjected to 42 days feeding trial at the poultry unit of Imo State Polytechnic Teaching and Research Farm, Umuagwo in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, Nigeria to determine the effect of sun-dried cattle plasma (SDCP) on their performance and carcass characteristics. The birds were assigned to four dietary treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 corresponding to 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% levels of sun-dried animal plasma inclusion respectively. Each treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized design. Overall results revealed that dietary inclusion of sun-dried animal plasma significantly (p<0.05) affected the cost of producing one kilogram chicken, thigh circumference, shank length and body length. The cost of producing one kilogram chicken significantly (p<0.05) decreased with increasing level of sun-dried cattle plasma. There were no significant difference (p>0.05) in daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and some other traits like the body length, wing length and shank length. SDCP could be included in the ration of finisher broiler chickens up to 5% to ensure better performance and profit maximization.

Keywords: Cattle plasma, poultry, finisher broiler, chickens, feed