Effects of Dietary Palm Oil on the Performance of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

Studies were conducted to assess the effect of replacing maize with palm oil at 0, 2, 4 and 6% inclusion levels, on the performance of broiler chicks. One, hundred and forty-four day old broiler chicks of Anak strain were weighed and randomly assigned to the four experimental diets. Each treatment group of 36 birds was replicated 3 times with 12 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). There were significant (P<0.05) depression in the feed intake, body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient utilization and conformation traits at 6% substitution level. The 4% inclusion level showed the highest (P<0.05) body weight, weight gain, best feed conversion ratio, efficient nutrient utilization, least cost per unit weight gain and highest profit, from weight gain. Cost of feed per unit weight gain was highest (P<0.05) at 6% substitution level, followed by 2% and the control. Results of this study indicated that palm oil could replace 4% of maize in broiler starter diet to achieve an improved performance.


Key Words: palm oil, maize, performance, broiler chicks.


Int. J. Agric. Rural Dev., 2003, 4: 81-86