Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefit of feeding four different commercial diets to broiler chickens. Two hundred and eight (208) day-old chicks were randomly allotted to four diets in replicates of four. The diets were designated as A, B, C, and D. Each replicate had 13 birds assigned in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and the trial lasted for 42 days. Results for growth performance revealed a significant (P<0.05) effect of diet on nearly all indices in the starter, finisher and overall phases. At four weeks, birds fed diets C and A had significantly (P<0.01) higher weights (1252.00 and 1230.70g) than those on diet D (1118.00g) followed by those fed diet B (1012.80g). Total weight gain was higher (P<0.001) on diet D (1933.00g) than those on diet A (1663.70g), while those on diets B (1588g) and D (1511.00g), were similar and had the lowest weights. There was no significant effect of diet on total feed intake (2978.40 – 3232.40g) and overall feed efficiency (0.46 – 0.55). Carcass characteristics indicated that birds fed diet C (1.87kg) had higher carcass weights, followed by those on diet A (1.64kg) and D (1.56kg) which were statistically similar. The lowest carcass weight was recorded in broiler birds fed diet C (1.38kg). However, there was no significant influence of diet on dressing percentage (68.25 – 74.76%). Feed cost per kg varied from N880 - N960 and feed cost per kg gain was lowest on diet A (N1579.76) and highest on diet D (N1789.14). It was concluded that growth rate was similar for both diet A and C. however diet C was most economical and is recommended for profitable broiler chicken production.
Published Version
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