Effects of enzyme supplementation of raw bambara nut ((Vigna subterranea (L) verdc) waste diets on carcass and organ weights of broiler finishers

Abstract

A study was conducted out to investigate the effects of graded levels of raw bambara nut waste and supplementary enzyme (Roxazyme G) on carcass and internal organ weights of broiler finishers. Ninety-six 6-week old broiler birds were randomly divided into 8 groups of 12 birds each. The groups were randomly assigned to 8 energetic (11.48-12.20 MJ of ME/kg) and nitrogenous (20.09-20.43% crude protein) diets in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement involving four levels (0, 20, 30 and 40%) of raw Bambara nut waste (RBW) and 2 enzyme levels (0 and 0.02%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 4 birds per replicate placed in 2.6m x 3m deep litter pens of fresh wood shavings. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum to the birds from 42 to 70 day of age. The experiment lasted for four weeks. At the end of the experimental period when the birds were 10 weeks old, 3 birds per treatment (one per replicate) were randomly selected and weighed for carcass and organ evaluation. Results showed that increasing the levels of RBW did not result in any significant (P>0.05) increase in the relative weights of spleen and heart, while the relative weights of liver, kidney, empty gizzard, small and large intestines increased significantly (P<0.05). There were, however significant (P<0.05) decreases in the live body weight, dressed carcass weight and carcass dressing percent as the levels of RBW in the diets increased beyond 20 %. The results obtained in the present study shows that with Roxazyme G supplementation at 200mg/kg, up to 20% of raw bambara nut waste can be included in the diet of broiler finishers without any adverse effect on their carcass and internal organ weights.

Keywords: raw Bambara nut waste, enzyme, broiler finishers, carcass and organ weights