Response of broiler chickens to graded levels of locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) pulp meal

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty five, day-old Arbour Acre broiler birds were use to investigate the effect of graded dietary levels of Parkia biglobosa pulp meal (PBPM) on the performance, haematological and carcass parameters of the birds from 0-8 weeks of age. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated to contain PBPM at 0,10,20, 30 and 40 percent respectively making a total of 5 treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times with 15 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design experiment. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Records taken included weekly weight changes and weekly feed intake. There was no record of mortality throughout the duration of the experiment. Results obtained showed a decrease in the bird’s performance as the dietary levels of the pulp increased. The final weight (g/b) and weight gain (g/b/day) decreased from 2122 and 33.91 for the control to 1309 and 20.97 for the 40% inclusion level of PBPM meal respectively However birds placed on 10% dietary level had a performance that were not significantly (P>0.05) different from those placed on the control diet which were on standard broiler starter and finisher rations. Also it was observed that values obtained for the haematological parameters fall within the range often reported for healthy birds indicating that the pulp did not impart any deleterious effect on the health of the birds. It can be concluded that broiler chickens can be fed up to 10% dietary level of PBPM without adverse effect on the performance of the birds.

Keywords: Parkia pulp, Dietary levels ,Broiler chickens, Performance