Effects of Noug seed cake (Guizotia Abyssinica) on the performance of growing White Bovan Cockerel in Ethiopian Highland

Abstract

An on-station feeding trial was carried out in the Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, Tigray region, Ethiopia to evaluate the effects of inclusion of graded levels of Noug seed cake (NSC) at 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25 % to replace soyabean cake (SBC) on the performance of 8-week old white Bovan cockerels. This study was conducted for 8 weeks. Data on feed intake, body weight gain, carcass, economic analyses and mortality were collected for the different levels of NSC. Results of the study indicated that the average total body weight  recorded for growing cockerel did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) except in diets containing 20 and 25% inclusion levels of NSC which were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of treatments with 0, 10, 15% inclusion). However, levels of NSC influenced (p > 0.05) body weight gain. The trend of observation on weight gain was similar to that of the average total body weight. Per cent reduction in body weight during the period of the study from control to treatment groups 3, 4 and 5 were 0.00, 2.13 and 6.91 %, respectively. Feed intake values recorded for growing cockerel did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) respectively. In the same vein, dressing percentage observed on various treatments did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05). Partial budget analysis revealed that the level of the inclusion of NSC in the diets affected the net benefit. Increasing levels of NSC tended to reduce the cost of feed per kilogram and consequently increased the net benefit (birr/bird). For economic gains, noug seed cake can be included up to 25% in cockerel rations.

Key words: Noug Seed Cake, Soybean cake, Bovan White Growing Cockerel, Performance