Seasonal variation in nutritive value of scavenged feed and effect of supplementation on performance of rural birds

Abstract

The study to evaluate nutritive value of scavenged during the wet and dry season using crop contents from 270 rural birds of different age groups was carried out. Chemical composition for crop contents, feeds and blood component analyses were done. The effect of feed supplementation on performance of rural birds was also assessed. Cereals were formed the largest proportion in the crop in both the dry and wet season. Insects, worms and plant materials were significantly (P<0.001) higher in the wet season while kitchen wastes were significantly (P<0.001) more in the dry season. Season effect was highly significant (P<0.001) on both physical and chemical composition of the scavenged feed. Total DM intake was significantly (P<0.001) higher in the dry season. Supplementation led to increased body weight gain. Gross profit margin was highest in scavenging only birds. Serum analysis showed no significant differences in total protein and glucose levels whereas significant (P<0.001) seasonal differences were observed for plasma albumin, triglycerides, NEFA, calcium and phosphorus levels. From these findings it was concluded that feeds scavenged by rural birds varied with season in availability and quality. It was also noted that supplementation to rural chickens should be done strategically so as to realize both the biological and economical gains.