Effect of different combination levels of palm kernel cake, yam peel and plantain peel meals as partial replacement for maize in broiler starter diets.

Abstract

Ninety six unsexed day old Marshall broiler chickens were divided into 4 groups of 3
replicates each on weight equalization basis (42.87 – 43.24g). The chicks were used
to determine the effect of partial replacement of maize with combinations of palm
kernel cake (PKC), yam peel meal (YPM) and plantain peel meal (PPM) in broiler
starter diets. Four broiler starter diets were formulated such that diet T1 (control)
contained 54% maize. Diets T2, T3 and T4 contained PKC, YPM and PPM in the
ratios, 1:1:2, 1: 2:1 and 1: 1: 2 replacing 50% of maize. The chick groups were each
randomly assigned to one of the experimental broiler starter diets in a completely
randomised design (CRD) experiment. The feed and water were offered ad libitum.
Results indicated that birds on diet T4 recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher
(861.63g) body weight gain than those on other diets. Feed intake followed similar
trend with birds on diet T1 recording significantly (p<0.05) lower (1564.63g) value
than other groups. Feed conversion ratio was comparable (p>0.05) for all groups
while feed cost savings relative to the control diet ranged from 23.51 – 24.51%. Birds
on diets T4 recorded the lowest feed cost per kg body weight gain. It is concluded that
combinations of PKC, YPM and PPM could safely replace 50% of maize in broiler
starter diet with 1: 1: 2 combination ratio producing a superior performance.

Key Words: Combinations, Palm kernel cake, Yam peel, Plantain peel, Broilers