Abstract
In this study, the effect of substitution of maize with fermented cashew apple residue (CAR) on the growth of broiler chicken was investigated. Cashew apple residue was subjected to fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum, and then used to formulate broiler starter diet by substituting/mixing it with maize in the ratios 0:100, 50:50 and 100:0 for maize and CAR respectively. The diet was fed to four groups of day old broilers for six weeks during which feed intake and weight gained were monitored. The bacterial count increased from 5.6 × 106 at the beginning of the fermentation to 31.5 × 106 cfu/g at 72 hr. Also, the pH of the CAR was reduced gradually over the 72 hours period of fermentation coupled with increase in the total titratable acidity. The nutritional composition analyses of the compounded diets showed no significant difference (p≤0.05) between the crude protein content of the formulated feed (21.02±0.15 - 21.12±0.15%) and the commercially available feed (21.50±0.00). However, the crude fibre content of the control (3.10±0.00) was lower than the content of the formulated diets. After feeding the chicks for two weeks, there was no significant difference in the average weight gained by the chicks fed the control diet and those fed with fermented CAR-based feeds. The cumulative feed consumption in the groups ranged from 2.57 kg (diet C) to 2.91 kg (diet A). These results suggest that fermented CAR may be used as alternative to maize in broiler feed formulation
Highlights
In poultry production, especially broilers production, feeding form the largest portion of expenses which is usually in the region of 60% of the total cost of raising the birds (Khan et al, 2008)
The broiler diet contains correct balance of energy, protein, amino acids, minerals and fatty acids which are supplied by different sources of these ingredients
Determination of titratable acidity Total titratable acidity (TTA) was determined according to the method described by AOAC (2005). 50 g of the sample was blended, added to 100 ml of distilled water, agitated and allowed to settle
Summary
Especially broilers (meat) production, feeding form the largest portion of expenses which is usually in the region of 60% of the total cost of raising the birds (Khan et al, 2008). The major source of energy in broilers feed in Nigeria is maize (corn) because of its high energy and starch contents. This important food crop is widely cultivated in the country and it is by far the major grain crop in Nigeria (Adebayo and Adeola, 2005). With the increase in the maize price in the country since the escalation of the Boko Haram insurgence in the year 2014 which displaced many farmers from their farms, preventing them from cultivating this most important cereal, there have been efforts to look for alternative source of energy in the animal feed industry. This study is carried out to determine the effect of the substitution of maize with fermented cashew apple residue (CAR) on the growth of broiler chicks with a view to developing standard poultry feed from the residue
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
