Effect of Replacement of Maize with Cassava Root Meal Fortified With Palm Oil on Performance of Starter Broilers

Abstract

The effects of replacement of maize with cassava root meal (CRM) fortified with palm oil on performance of starter broilers were determined in a 28-day feeding trial. Diets T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅ were formulated such that they contained cassava root meal, fortified with 20% palm oil, in the proportions 10, 20, 30 and 40%, respectively fed to broilers in a completely randomized design experiment replicated thrice. Each replicate contained 10 birds. Birds fed T₂, T₃ and T₄ diets had statistically (p>0.05) similar daily feed intake and daily weight gain values with the control group except T₅ birds that had significantly (p<0.05) lower daily feed intake and daily weight gain. Feed conversion ratios of the birds on CRM and palm oil diets compared favorably with the control except for the T₅ group, which again recorded a significantly (p<0.05) higher feed conversion ratio. The least cost (N120.95) per kg meat produced was recorded in the birds on T₁ diet and followed by the T₃ (16:4%) birds. It is therefore concluded that inclusion of CRM/palm oil up to 32:8% in starter broiler diets did adversely affect performance and economy of production.

Keywords: Broilers, cassava root meal, palm oil, poultry feed