Replacement value of cassava peels for maize in the diet of broiler starters in a semi-arid environment of Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the replacement value of cassava peels (CSP) for maize (MZ) in broiler starter diets. CSP replaced MZ at various levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) for diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. A total of 150day old chicks were used for the experiment. The chicks were divided into 15 groups. Three groups were allocated to each treatment as replicates. The birds (arbor acre strain) were fed ad libitum for 28 days. Results showed that average feed intake (AFI) and body weight gain (BWG) were significantly higher (P<0.5) for birds fed diet 3. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and cost of feed consumed/bird decreased as CSP level increased. Cost/kg live weight gain was lower (P<0.5) for diet 3. Results on cost-benefit ratio showed 21% reduction in cost for diets with cassava peels replacing maize. Average mortality of 10% was recorded during the trial for treatments except those fed diets 3 with significantly lower mortality of about 7% compared to those fed diet 5. It could be concluded that CSP could replace maize up to 50% in the diets of broiler starters without negative effect on performance characteristics.