Co-integration and Error-Correction Modelling (ECM) of livestock population in Nigeria

Abstract

The substitution value of full-fat sunflower seed (FFSF) for groundnut-cake - (GNC) at five substitution levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) was tested in a feeding trial with 100 (one week - old) Hubbard broiler chicks. The diets were isonitrogenous with 23% and 19% crude protein at the starter and finisher phase respectively. At the starter phase FFSF significantly (P<0.05) increased feed intake, body weight gain and feed to gain ratio at 25% and of protein efficiency ratio and 100%. At the finisher phase significant (P<0.05) higher feed intake and feed to gain ration were observed, with significant (P<0.05) reduction in body weight gain (except at 50% FFSF) and protein efficiency ratio. Carcass characteristics measured showed significant (P<0.05) difference in abdominal fat deposition at the starter phase. Above 50% FFSF inclusion caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in meat weight at the finisher phase. This study suggested that FFSS could substitute 50% of GNC in broiler chicken diets.

Key words: Full fat sunflower seed, broiler chicken, production indices