GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHER BROILER CHICKENS TO PALM KERNEL MEAL DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH CELLULASE

Abstract

A total of 96 broiler chickens, aged 28 days were fed palm kernel meal (PKM) diets supplemented with cellulase at the finisher phase. The birds were allotted to four diets, each replicated three times, with 8 birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. Final weight decreased (1740.04g-973.00g) with PKM level. However, 20%PKM birds (1000.09g) were similar to 30%PKM (973.00g). Daily weight gain (60.41g-23.83g) and daily feed intake (120.25g-54.56g) followed similar trend as final weight. Feed conversion ratio was best (P<0.05) in 0% PKM group (2.00) and poorest in 20% PKM birds (2.37). Bled weight was significantly affected (P<0.05), birds fed 0%PKM (1616.75g) and 10%PKM (1608.38g) were similar but different from 20%PKM (1325.05g) and 30%PKM (1290.05g). De-feathered weight decreased (1563.36g-1221.73g) with level of PKM. Eviscerated weight (1345.09g-1078.31g) and dressing percentage (74.39-70.67) showed similar trend of variation as live-weight. Head, neck, leg, drumstick, thigh, back, wing, breast, intestine and gizzard varied significantly (P<0.05). Drumstick and thigh were highest in birds fed 10%PKM (11.07g/11.57g) and lowest in birds fed 20% PKM (9.58g/10.84g). Back declined (14.53-12.59) with PKM level. Highest wing percentage was in 30%PKM (8.29) and least in 20%PKM (7.81). Highest breast percentage was in 20%PKM (20.98) and least in 0%PKM (19.90). Intestine was highest in 0%PKM (11.58) and least in 10%PKM (9.53). The gizzard increased (5.55-6.96) with PKM. Heart and liver were not affected (P>0.05). PKM with cellulase supplementation could be fed to finisher broiler chickens up to 10% for improved growth response and carcass yield.