Abstract
This study examined the replacement of dry heat treated mango kernel at different levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) in the diet of 120 Anak broiler birds. The birds were allotted to four treatments of 10 birds each and the experiment was replicated 3 times. They were fed ad libitum and data were collected on performance [feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR)], blood and serum parameters (packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count total protein and albumin] and carcass parameters (thigh weight, drumstick weight, breast weight, back weight and wing weight). Average final weight and average weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) high in birds placed on 0 and 30% dry heat treated mango kernel, while FCR was significantly low in birds fed with 30% heat treated mango kernel. Birds on 0% heat treated mango kernel had significantly high thigh, drumstick breast, back and wing weights (p < 0.05), followed by birds on 30% heat treated mango kernel. PCV and RBC shows significant differences (p < 0.05) in favour of birds on 0 and 20% heat treated mango kernel. Total protein and albumin were significantly high (p < 0.05) in birds fed with 10% heat treated mango kernel; urea was significantly high in birds fed with 10 and 20% heat treated mango kernel. Alanine transaminase (ALT) also shows high significant difference (p < 0.05) in birds fed with 30% heat treated mango kernel, but all values falls within the normal range for broilers. This study reveals that dry heat treated mango kernel can be used in broiler diet up to 30% maize replacement without any adverse effect. Key words: Mango kernel, heat, broiler, carcass.
Highlights
Livestock feeds have become very expensive resulting in decrease in livestock production (Bamgbose et al, 2004)
The present study reports utilization of dry heat treated mango kernel meal by broiler finishers
The dry heat treated mango kernel was milled in a hammer mill and used in the formulation of the experimental diet
Summary
Livestock feeds have become very expensive resulting in decrease in livestock production (Bamgbose et al, 2004). Bamgbose et al (2004) reported that maize account for about 45 to 55% of poultry feed. The most relevant option to arrest the present feed crisis of livestock industry is by-product utilization (Atteh, 1986). The use of these alternative feed stuffs in livestock. Mango kernel needs livestock farmer’s attention to be considered as a means of cutting down feed cost in livestock production. Diarra and Usman (2008) reported 20% of maize replacement with boiled mango kernel in broiler diet without adverse effects on growth and blood parameters. The present study reports utilization of dry heat treated mango kernel meal by broiler finishers
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