Cassava Peels Meal as Substitute for Whole Maize on the Performance of Broiler Finisher Chicks

Abstract

A 28 day feeding trial was conducted using 160 unsexed Marshal strain of day old broiler chicks fed O, 18, 36 and 54% levels of cassava peels meal (CPM) in a completely randomized design experiment, where CPM replaced maize weight  for weight. Each of the four dietary treatments was further replicated four times. Routine vaccination and medication instruction typical of broilers management were strictly followed. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. The initial live weight, final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost /Kilogram and feed cost /Kilogram weight gain were measured. Results showed that birds on the control diet (0% CPM) and 18% CPM were statistically similar (p>0.05) in their final live weights, weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg gain (2.33 and 2.09 kg, 1.69 and 1.45 kg, 0.16 and 0.16 kg/bird, 2.67 and 3.08 and 205.32 and 196.17 Naira respectively). Both recorded values superior to those on levels 36 and 54% CPM. Both feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg declined as the level of CPM increased from 0 to 54%, while feed cost/kg gain did not he cheapest to produce, feed wise.