Evaluation of cassava distillers’ waste meal in the diet of Broiler Chicken

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the growth properties, nutrient retention, blood components and carcass cuts of broiler chicken fed cassava distillers’ waste meal (CDWM) in place of maize. A total of three hundred (300) day old Abor-Acre strain chicks were stochastically assigned to five groups using completely randomized design at 60 birds each replicated thrice. The CDWM was included in the diets at 25, 50, 75, and 100% at the expense of maize in the control diet. Cassava distillers’ waste meal had a high protein and fibre content compared to maize. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in the growth parameters, nutrient digestibility, packed cell volume and breast weight. The final weight and daily gain reduced as CDWM increased in the diet while average daily feed consumed and conversion ratio increased linearly; birds offered control diet had the lowest and best feed conversion ratio while those fed the 100% replacement had the highest feed conversion ratio. Thus, the optimal inclusion level of CDWM in broiler diets should not exceed 25% as a replacement for maize. Further study is required to determine if the addition of multi-carbohydrase enzyme will encourage higher replacement level of maize with CDWM in broiler diet.