NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

MONOGASTRIC NUTRITION AND MANAGEMENT

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO TIME LIMITED FEEDING

 OF MASH OR PELLET FEED

O. A. ADEYEMI*, A. M. OYELEKE, L.T. EGBEYALE, A. O. OSO and C.P.

NJOKU Department of Animal Production and Health,
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
*corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
The effect of feed form (FF) and time limited feeding on performance of broiler chickens was studied.
160 marshal strain of broiler were allocated in a 2 × 4 factorial experimental arrangement with two FF
(mash and pellet) at four Time limited feeding (TLF) (24, 6, 4, and 2 hours). Data collected were
analysed using a completely randomized design. Significant differences were obtained on feed intake
(FI), weight gained (WG), final weight (FW), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality (M). FI
reduced (P<0.05) as TLF reduced. FI was influenced by FF, birds fed pellet diet having higher
(P<0.05) FI compared to mash at each corresponding level of TLF. WG was lower (P<0.05) at all
levels of TLF in broilers fed mash compared to ad libitum group. However, birds fed for 4 and 6
hours on pellet diet during feed limitation had similar (P>0.05) WG compared to their control group.
FW at 8 weeks of age was lower in birds fed mash compared to pellet. FCR was influenced by FF and
TLF with birds placed on pellet having a better FCR compared to those fed mash. Pellet fed birds
recorded higher M compared to the mash fed birds particularly during the first week of life because
the pellet size of 2mm was too big for their mouth size hence inability to feed properly, thereafter
improvements were observed from week two. The study revealed a better performance and better
benefit of feed limitation when birds are fed pellet diet compared to mash.
Keywords: Broiler Chickens, Feed Forms, Growth Performance, Time Limited Feeding.

INTRODUCTION
Generally, broiler production is known to be capital demanding due to high cost of conventional feed
ingredients especially the energy and protein sources. This is because it is one of the most efficient
converters of feed to animal protein and it is generally assumed that when birds eat more, they attain
higher body weight at market age. The high cost of feed in poultry production is threatening the
sustainability of the enterprise. There is therefore, a need to identify methods of reducing costs
(Khetani et al., 2009).
Various feed form including mash, pellet or crumble are supplied to broilers. Ration forms are the
most important factor which directly influences the cost of mixed feed and production performance of
broiler (Ghazi et al., 2012). The physical form of feed (mash and pellet) is a crucial factor in meat
yield of broiler.
With the present widening protein deficiency gap due to high population and high cost of livestock
production, there is the need to reduce production cost through feed cost savings, this will allow the
product go round the population at affordable prices. (Azarnik et al., 2010). The benefits of feed
savings, feed conversion rates, lean meat and a more uniform growth are worth serious consideration.
These benefits can be realized by finding cheap, adequate and readily available ways of reducing feed
cost in broiler chicken production. One of such method is reducing the amount of daily feed offer for
some time (Novele et al., 2009). Quantitative and qualitative feed restrictions have been introduced;
this is done by reducing the birds feed access time or by reducing the nutrient content of the feed.
Restricted feeding can be done in early life of chickens (Lee and Leeson, 2001). Limiting feed access
in boiler production has reduced excess fat deposition and therefore improving the carcass quality of
broiler as well as reducing metabolic diseases and mortality rate. (Lee and Lesson, 2001).
Several studies on feed limitation in boilers has shown decrease in mortality, stimulation of
compensatory growth, improved carcass quality by reducing excess fat deposition, reduce production
cost and improved feed efficiency. However, in these studies birds were placed on the same form of
diet. However, there is little information on feed restriction programme where there is comparison
between different forms of feed fed to broiler chickens.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animal and housing
A total of one hundred and sixty marshal strain of broiler chicks raised on deep litter were used for the
study.
Experimental procedure
The experimental birds were raised altogether for the first 7 days of age (1 week) and were fed ad
libitum on mash diet during this period. At 1 week of age birds were balanced for weight and
 allocated into a 2 × 4 factorial experimental arrangement in a completely randomized design with two
feed forms (mash and pellet) and four levels of feed access time (24,6, 4, and 2 hours). There were 8
treatments which were replicated four times with five birds. Birds on all the feed limited groups were
provided with same quantity of feed each day using the guide given by Aduku (2004). Leftover feed
was withdrawn from feed limited groups at the stated time. The time limited feeding was carried out
for a period of 3 weeks from 7 - 28 days of age. After the 21days of feed restriction all birds were fed
ad libitum till eight weeks of age. A straight diet was used for the experiment. The Gross Percentage
Composition of the Mash and Pellet are similar (Maize, 45.00; Soybean meal 15.00; Fish
meal(72%CP) 1.00; Groundnut Cake 12.50; Wheat Offal 21.50; Oyster Shell 1.50; Bone meal 2.50;
Lysine 0.25; Methionine 0.25; Salt 0.25; Vit./Mineral Premix 0.25). Necessary Vaccinations and
medications were administered. Data collected were subjected to the following equations to obtain
weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and Mortality (%)

()()
()()

()
()

x 100

Chemical and Statistical analysis

Proximate analysis of mash and pellets (Table 1.) were carried out using the methods of AOAC
(2005). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, significant (P<0.05) differences among
each treatment means were separated using Duncan‘s Multiple Range Test (SAS, 1987).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Main and interaction effects of FF and TLF are shown in Tables 2 and 3. Average daily feed
intake/bird for the entire period of experiment reduced significantly (P<0.05) with reduction in time of
access to feed. Feed consumption for the entire period of experiment was higher in pellet fed birds
compared to mash fed birds at all corresponding level of feed access time.
The performance of pellet fed bird compared to mash fed birds (Table 2) indicates that broilers were
able to utilize pellet diet better than mash diet. Average daily weight gain/bird for the entire period of
experiment was higher in pellet diet compared to mash at all corresponding level of feed access time.
Birds placed on pellet diet responded better to the feed restriction, birds fed for 4 and 6 hours during
restriction on pellet diet were able to compensate for their initial body weight loss after
realimentation. However, all groups of feed limited bird placed on mash diet failed to compensate
fully for their initial weight loss after realimentation. Final body weight gain of birds on table
indicated that birds limited to 4 and 6 daily feed access time and fed pelleted diet were able to
compete favourably with birds fed ad libitum on mash diet. The general improved performance of
pellet fed birds compared to mash can be explained to be due the fact that birds prefer feed in pellet
form compared to mash (Behnke, 1998) which resulted in increased feed intake and subsequent higher
body weight gain. Each pellet grain gives a balanced nutrient intake thereby eradicating ingredient
segregation (Behnke, 1998). Also chicken spent less time feeding on pellets and expended less energy
than on mash (Savory, 1974; Moran, 1989). Pellet fed birds had better feed conversion ratio for the
entire period of experiment at each corresponding level of feed access time, this means that broilers
were able to utilize pellet feed better than mash. Similar results were observed from earlier findings
(Ghazi et al., 2012; Zakeri et al., 2013) who reported that pellet had a better feed efficiency of pellet
over mash.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

In this study no outbreak of disease was recorded, mortality was recorded only at the early period of
feed limitation (1st week). Higher mortality recorded among the pellet fed birds may be a result of
combination some factors (at the early period of restriction birds were not readily familiar with the
pellet diet, the beak was not developed enough to effectively pick up the 2mm pellet, and feed was
restricted giving them less time to feed) which might have contributed to a very low energy intake
which was not sufficient to fuel necessary body processes, though birds that survived were able to
adapt favourably at the second week of feed limitation. The study concluded that broiler chickens on
pellet feed had better performance in terms of feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and final
weight gain over those fed mash. Broilers subjected to 4 and 6 hours daily TLF competes favourably
with groups of birds fed ad-libitum following realimentation.

REFERENCES
A.O.A.C 2005. Official Methods of Analysis, 18th Edition, Association of Official Analytical
 Chemists, Washington, DC. USA.
Aduku, A.O. 2004. Feed composition and nutrition.Composition alimentaire. Dept of Animal
Science.Ahmadu Bello University. Zaria. Nigeria. 8 pp.
Azarnik A., Bojarpour, M., Eslami M., Ghorbani, M. R, and Mirzadeh, K. 2010. The Effect of
Different Levels of Diet Protein on Broilers Performance in Ad libitum and Feed Restriction
Methods. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advance. 9 ( 3 ) , 6 3 1 - 6 3 4 .
Behnke, K. C., 1998. Why pellet? In Proceedings of Kansas State University, America Feed Industry
Association Pellet Conference, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
Ghazi, A. M. Z., Gameel, A. A. and Mohamed M. A. 2012. A Comparative Effect of Mash and Pellet
Feed on Broiler Performance and Ascites at High Altitude. Global Veterinaria 9 (2):154-159. Khetani,
T. L., Nkukwana, T. T., Chimonyo, M. and Muchenje, V. 2009. Effect of feed restriction on broiler
performance. Trop. Anim. Health Prod., 41: 379-384.
Lee, K.H. and Lesson, S. 2001. Performance of broilers fed limited quantities of feed or nutrients
during seven to fourteen days of age. Poultry Science. 80: 446-454.
Moran, E. T. Jr. 1989. Effect of pellet quality on the performance of meat birds. In: Recent advances
in animal nutrition. Butterworths. London. p. 87- 108.
Novele, D. J., Ng‘Ambi, J. W., Norris, D. and Mbajiorgu, C. A. 2009. Effect of different feed
restriction regimes during the starter stage on productivity and carcass characteristics of male
and female Ross 308 broiler chickens. International Journal of Poultry Science. 8(1): 35-39.
SAS (Statistical Analysis System). 1987. Version 9.3, SAS Institute Inc. Carry N. C. USA.
Savory C .J. 1974. Growth and behavior of chickens fed on pellets or mash. British Poultry Science.
15:281-286.
Zakeri, A. Chehraghi, M., and Taghinejad-Roudbaneh M. 2013. Effects of different feed forms on
performance in broiler chickens. European Journal of Experimental Biology, 2013, 3(4):66-
70.

Table 1: Analysed Composition (%) of Mash and Pellet

Dry Matter Crude Protein Crude Fibre Ether Extract Ash

Mash 88.35 21.05 3.97 3.74 5.65

Pellet 89.25 20.94 4.08 3.56 5.30

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK
OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 2: Main effects of feed form (FF) and time limited feeding (TLF) on performance
characteristics of marshal broilers Feed form Time Limited Feeding (Hours)
Parameters Mash Pellet SEM 2 4 6 24 SEM Initial Weight (g) 145.25 146.75 1.76 143.00
149.50 146.50 145.00 2.35 Final Weight (g) 1799.38b1980.00a28.78
1786.25c1878.75b1875.00 b2018.75 a42.86 FI (during restriction)/bird (g)/day 29.40 b30.52
a
3.89 17.36d21.78c25.18 b55.52a0.52 FI (during realimentation)/bird (g)/day 115.72
b
118.62a0.74 116.88ab 117.17ab 115.34 b119.29a1.04 FI (Entire Period)/bird (g)/day 78.72
b
80.87a1.87 74.23c76.29 b76.70 b91.96a0.66 WG (during restriction)/bird (g)/d 11.37
b
12.96a1.07 9.25c9.42c10.92b19.07a0.51 WG (during realimentation)/bird (g)/d 50.70
b
55.96a0.72 51.68b54.96a54.00ab 52.66ab 1.35 WG (Entire Period)/bird (g)/d 33.84
b
37.53a0.61 33.50c35.44 b35.54b38.27a0.90 Feed conversion ratio during restriction 2.56a2.23
b
0.125 1.91c2.40 b2.37 b2.92 b0.13 Feed conversion ratio after restriction 2.28a2.13 b0.03
2.27a2.14 b2.15 b2.27a0.05 Total Feed conversion ratio 2.33a2.16 b0.03 2.23 b2.16 b2.17
b
2.41a0.05 Mortality during Restriction 1.25 b12.5a2.42 17.50a7.50 b 2.50 b0.00 b3.04
Mortality after restriction 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total mortality 1.25
b
12.5a2.42 17.50a7.50 b 2.50 b0.00 b3.04 a,b,c: means in the same row not sharing common superscript are
significantly different (p<0.05)
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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK
OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 3:Effects of interaction between feed form (FF) and time limited feeding (TLF) on
performance characteristics of Marshal Broilers Feed form Mash Pellet time limited feeding
(TLF) (Hours) 2 4 6 24 2 4 6 24 SEM Initial Weight (g) 143.00 148.00 146.00 144.00 143.00 151.00
147.00 146.00 3.52 Final Weight (g) 1707.50c1760.00cb
1745.00c1985.00a1865.00b1997.50a2005.00a2052.50a33.99 FI (during restriction)/bird (g)/day
17.73e21.81d24.49c53.56b16.99e21.74d25.88c57.49a0.57 FI (during realimentation)/bird (g)/day
115.05bc 114.98bc 112.90c119.95a118.72ab 119.37ab 117.79ab 118.63ab 1.13 FI (Entire Period)/bird
(g)/day 73.34d75.05cd 75.00cd 91.50a75.12cd 77.53bc 78.40b92.42a0.77 WG (during restriction)/bird
(g)/day 8.43de 8.35e9.41cde 19.29a10.07cd 10.49c12.43b18.86a0.52 WG (during realimentation)/bird
(g)/day 49.70b51.66b50.06b51.38b53.67b58.27a57.95a53.95b1.21 WG (Entire Period)/bird (g)/day
32.01c33.10cb 32.63cb 37.63a34.99b37.79a38.44a38.91a0.75 Feed conversion ratio during restriction
2.12b2.72a2.64a2.79a1.70b2.08b2.10b3.05a0.13 Feed conversion ratio after restriction
2.32a2.22a2.23a2.34a2.21b2.05bc 2.04c2.20b0.05 Total Feed conversion ratio 2.30abc 2.27bc 2.30abc
2.44a2.15cd 2.06d2.05d2.38ab 0.05 Mortality during Restriction 5cb 0c0c0c30a15b5cb 0c2.60 Mortality
after restriction 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Mortality 5cb 0c0c0c30a15b5cb 0c2.60

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

SOIL NUTRIENTS POTENTIALITY OF PIG DEEP LITTER INOCULATED WITH

EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISM (EM) IN FERMENTED BED TECHNOLOGY PIG
PRODUCTION
*
Adewale I. Adeolu, †Adanne P. Agbafor, †Nancy C. Umezuruike, §Ukaegbu G. Nneji
*
Department of Agriculture (Animal Science Programme), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu
Alike, Ikwo. P.M. B. 1010, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
†
Department of Biology/Microbiology/ Biotechnology (Biotechnology Programme) Alex Ekwueme
Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo. P.M. B. 1010, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
§
Department of Biotechnology, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, P.M.B 21023, Ikeja,
Lagos State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT
A total number of thirty six (36) weaner pigs were randomly allotted to two (2) treatments of eighteen
(18) weaner each, with each treatment having three (3) replicates of six (6) weaners. The study was
designed for the assessment of soil nutrients potentials of pig deep litter inoculated with Effective
Microorganism (EM) obtained from pig production using Fermented Bed Technology (FBT). Bedding
materials were inoculated with the solution of EM-Bacillus subtilis (STL002), Lactobacillus
plantarum (MKL430), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (RSU512) and Actinomycetes (OLT231). Samples
were collected from each replicates of bedding without EM (T1, control) and with EM (T2) and
 individuals sample from each replicate for T1 and T2 were mixed thoroughly in order to obtain
homogeneous samples for nutrients analysis. Kjeldhal apparatus, flame photometer, molybdovanadate
method and model 55B Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) were used for the analysis.
Data obtained from triplicate determination for individuals sample were subjected to t-test analysis
and results indicated significant different (p<0.05) between T1 and T2. Pig deep litter macronutrients
analysis revealed that Mg=8.42ppm, K=7.25ppm, N=1.62%, P=52.01mg/l, S=9.55% while
micronutrients depicted Fe=9.45ppm, Mn=6.60ppm, Zn=5.34ppm, Cu=8.11ppm, Cl=4.81ppm. This
study therefore, showed that Fermented Bed Technology which make use of EM actively breakdown
pig waste thus, significantly decreased offensive odour and flies populations. Pig deep litter nutrients
content obtained further suggest future use of this biotechnology in a farming system that are
economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable.

Keywords: Effective microorganisms, Soil nutrients, Pig deep litter, Inoculation, Pig.

INTRODUCTION
The issue of insufficient protein intake and malnutrition generally in developing countries can be
attributed to the high cost of conventional sources of meat such as cattle, goat, sheep, pigs, poultry
etc. and the demand-supply gaps which has not yet been bridged. FAO (2014) reported high per caput
(more than 10 kg) consumption of meat in some industrialized countries while less than10 kg per
caput consumption for developing countries was considered insufficient and often leads to under
nourishment and malnutrition. Deficiencies occur when people have limited access to micronutrient
rich foods such as meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. Therefore, bridging this gap can only be achieved
by the increasing and consistent encouragement of production of short-cycled and highly prolific
animals such as pigs.
Pigs have been described as one of the most prolific and fast growing livestock that can convert food
waste to valuable products and being pure white meat, can excel above other red meat animals.
Despite all these attributes, farmers are been discouraged to go into pig production because of
challenges associated with pig production. These include offensive odour and large population of flies
usually seen around pig farms.
Enforcing Federal Environmental Protection Agency Act No 59 of 1992, which regulates pig farms to
be located not less than 500 meters away from residential areas has made many farmers to lose their
land to residential owners and this has also continued to discourage farmers from investing in
production of such animals. The Act argued that waste (feacal and urine) from pig farms have the
potential of carrying pathogens, bacteria (often antibiotic resistant), and heavy metals that can be toxic

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

when ingested (Nicole, 2017). These waste products causes mucosal irritation, respiratory ailments,
decreased quality of life, pollution of water bodies, release of greenhouse gases (ammonia, nitrogen
oxide and methane). The foul odours, flies and mosquitoes breed in manure pit are grassed continually
to the neighboring communities and these are capable of transmitting diseases such as cholera,
dysentery, typhoid, and malaria. Annette et al. (2006) reported that pig farms are capable of spreading
diseases like- Salmonella, Toxoplasma, and Campylobacter.
Studies by AfrII (2016) and Laishram et al. (2018), showed that Fermented Bed Technology (FBT)
might be an effective technology in reducing occurrences of diseases and also increasing the
immunity of the pigs. FBT with the help of EM‘s offers many benefits but the core benefit is the
efficient way of turning both manure and urine into finished compost/litter. There is dearth of
information about soil nutrient contents of pig deep litter in available literature. This study was
therefore undertaken to assess soil nutrients potentiality of pig deep litter inoculated with EM‘s in
FBT pig production.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study Location and Sources of Experimental Materials
This experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ikwo Local Government,
Ndufu Echara, Ikwo Ebonyi State. This location lies in latitudes 6004ʹN and Longitude 08065ʹE in the
Derived Savanna Zone of Southern Nigeria (AE-FUNAI, 2012).Thirty six (36) weaner pigs, selected
from existing population in the farm were used as experimental animals. They were randomly allotted
to two (2) treatments of eighteen (18) weaners each, with each treatment having three (3) replicates of
six (6) weaners each. Required quantity of rice straw was gathered as a left over waste after rice
 paddy harvest from selected farms within Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA). Rice husk and dried
palm fronds used as bedding material were freely obtained from Nwakpu rice mill cluster and Obuegu
Ndufu Echara palm tree plantation, respectively. Maize bran, used as substrate for culturing the
Effective Microorganisms (EM‘s) was also obtained free from milling clusters within Abakaliki,
metropolis. Pure cultures of EM‘s: Bacillus subtilis (STL002), Lactobacillus plantarum (MKL430),
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (RSU512) and Actinomycetes (OLT231) were procured from Federal
Institute for Industrial Research, Oshodi Lagos State. Other materials (loam soil, distilled water, table
salt and glucose) were sourced locally. .
Experimental Procedures
The inoculum development was carried out at biotechnology laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal
University Ndufu-Alike in line with the method of Balogun et al. (2016) with little modification.The
solution (containing EM‘s) obtained were used to inoculate and ferment the bedding materials. Rice
straws and dried palm fronds were laid firmly on non-cemented floor to a height of 30cm in a 12m x
12m size pen. Immediately after this, bedding materials was added to the height of 40cm. The bedding
materials consists of rice husk (30 bags), 100kg or 3 wheelbarrows of loam soil, ash (10kg) and table
salt (10kg). Solution of EM‘s were continually sprinkled on the bedding materials as they were mixed
thoroughly using combination of shovel and garden forks. Turning of the bed was carried out daily
and allowed to ferment for eight days before stocking. In order to maintain a healthy bed and also to
encourage rooting, turning and mixing of the bed with sprinkle of EM‘s solution was carried out
weekly within the period of the experiment. All animals were kept under the same management and
climatic conditions.
Samples Collection and Nutrients Analysis
At the end of the experiment (6 months), samples were collected from each replicates of deep litter
without EM‘s (T1, control) and with EM‘s (T2) for nutrients analysis. These were carried out at Home
water Research Laboratory. Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Nitrogen content was determined using Kjeldhal
apparatus in a processes described by Pearson (1976) while Potassium and Magnesium were
determined by the use of flame photometer. The molybdovanadate method (AOAC, 2010) was used
to determine the total Phosphorous. Sulphur and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cl) content of
the samples were obtained through variant 55B Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).
Data Analysis
Data obtained were subjected to pair t-test analysis using the procedure of Ogbeibu (2005).
Significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between T1 and T2.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Macronutrients and micronutrients content of pig litter from T2 shows significant (p<0.05) better
results than control, T1. This may be attributed to the ability of the EM to ferment organic matter,
decompose and convert fiber and lignin components of bed materials to release nutrients and nutrient
rich organic acids (Higa, 2012).
Table1: Macronutrient composition of Fermented Bed Product (FBP) for T1 and T2.
Macronutrient T1 (bedding without EM) T2 (bedding with EM) Mg (ppm) 2.25
8.42
K (ppm) 1.21 7.25 N (%) 0.90 1.62 P (mg/l) 28.62 52.01
S (%) 7.15 9.55 Mg= Magnesium; K=Potassium; N=Nitrogen; Phosphorous=P;
S=Sulphur

There are inadequate information on soil nutrient contents of FBP in available literature. However,
Ncube et al. (2011) and Javaid (2010) noted the efficacy of organic manure formulated with EM‘s in
seed germination and vigour in carrot, cucumber, pea, beet, tomatoe and cowpea plants. Kim et al.
(2012) reported that treatments with EM and EM-fermented compost in a greenhouse increased the
yields of Spinach and Costmary by 10.4 to 24.8% and by 19.4 – 32.9%, respectively.

Table 2: Micronutrient composition of Fermented Bed Product (FBP) for T1 and T2.
Micronutrient (ppm) T1 (bedding without EM) T2 (bedding with EM) Fe 2.23 9.45
Mn 1.33 6.60
Zn 1.55 5.34
Cu 1.20 8.11
Cl 1.42 4.81
 Fe= Iron; Mn=Manganese; Zn= Zinc; Cu=Copper; Cl=Chlorine
6.604
52.013 5.336

60 50 10 8 8.11
6
9.45 4.814
40 30 20 28.618 2.231 1.548
1.325 1.204 1.42
4
2
9.548
0
8.42
7.25
7.151
2.25
1.213
0.896
10
1.62 Bed without EM Bed with EM
0

INNOCULATED BED FERMENTED BED

Macronutrients Micronutrients
Figure 1: Graphical representation of soil nutrients composition of Fermented Bed Product (FBP)
A cursory look at the Figure 3 reveals a great trends similarity between bedding with EM and bedding
without EM. However, the proportionality trend of soil nutrients in bedding with EM confirmed the
superiority of such technology over the control (bedding without EM).

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Mg= Magnesium; K=Potassium; N=Nitrogen; Fe= Iron; Mn=Manganese; Zn= Zinc; Cu=Copper;
Phosphorous=P; S=Sulphur Cl=Chlorine
%Macronutrient data using % Micronutrients data using 1ppm=0.000001
1%=10000ppm, 1mg/l=1ppm,
1ppm=0.000001

Figure 2: Nutrients proportionality trend of bedding without and with EM’s

CONCLUSION
The present study presented the efficacy of FBT in breaking down pigs‘ effluent and urine into a
compost/litter. It was also observed that this biotechnology allows pig natural behavior of rooting and
minimizes frequent cleaning and the need for disinfection. Therefore, effective microorganisms
 (EM‘s) based technology as a part of Fermented Bed Technology (FBT) is one such great technology
that has the potential of minerals extraction, enhancement of agriculture and waste management for
environmental protection and food security as it allows rearing of pigs in a clean environment without
flies and offensive odour.

REFERENCES
AE-FUNAI 2012. Official Metrological report of Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike.
Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
AfrII 2016. Piggery Production Manual: How to Rear Pigs using The Deep Litter System (DLS) or
Fermented Bed Technology (FBT). Africa Innovations Institute, Kampala, 54pp. Annette, N. J.,
Anders, D., Anders, S., Eva, M. N. and Dorte, L. B. 2006. Survival and transmission of salmonella
enterica serovar typhimurium in an outdoor organic pig farming environment 72(3):1833-1842
AOAC 2010. Official Method of Analysis. Association of Official Analytical Chemists. 18th edition,
Revision 4. Washington D. C.
Balogun, R. B., Ogbu, J. U., Umeokechukwu, E. C. and Kalejaiye-Matti, R. B. 2016. Effective micro
organisms (EM) as sustainable components in organic farming, principles, applications and
validity. In: Nandwani D(ed) Organic farming for sustainable agriculture. Springer
International Publishing, Switzerland, 259–291pp
FAO 2014. Meat Consumption. In: World Food Outlook 2014. Downloaded from
http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/themes/en/meat/background.html.
Higa, T. 2012. Kyusei Nature Farming and Environmental Management Through Effective
Microorganisms – The Past,Present and Future.
Javaid, A. 2010. Beneficial microorganisms for sustainable agriculture. Sustainable Agriculture
Reviews, 4: 347–369.
Kim, S. G., Lim, Y. D. and Ryang, H. G. 2012. Yield and Quality of Vegetables as Affected by
Effective Microorganisms. Downloaded from https://www.emroasia.com/data/7 Laishram, M.,
Prasanta, S., Parimal, R. C., Girin, K., Rameswar, P., Lalnuntluangi, H. and Pragati H. 2018. Effect of
deep litter system and effective microbial technology on the occurrence of diseases and immunity in
pigs. Journal of Animal Health and Production, 6 (3) :7 Ncube, L., Minkeni, P. N. S. and Brutsch, O.
2011. Agronomic suitability of effective microorganisms for tomato production. African Journal of
Agricultural Research, 6, 650– 654.
Nicole, W. 2017. "CAFOs and environmental justice: the case of north carolina". Environmental
health perspectives. Environmental Health Perspectives, 121 (6): a182–a189

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Ogbeibu, A. E. 2005. Biostatistics: A practical approach to research and data handling. Mindex
Publishing Company Limited, Benin City, Edo State. Nigeria. pp 81-87.
Pearson, D. 1976. The chemical Analysis of foods (7th ed.). London: Church-hill Livingston.
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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

PERFORMANCE AND COST IMPLICATION OF BROILER CHICKENS FED

GRADED LEVELS OF PUMPKIN SEED MEAL
*
Sudik, S. D., Amaza, I. B., Maidala, A., Lawan, A. and Makinde, O. J.
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University, Gashua,
Nigeria *Corresponding author‘s email: [email protected] Mobile phone:
+2348065633451

ABSTRACT
The high cost of conventional feedstuff has necessitated the search for alternative feedstuff. This
study was conducted to determine the performance and cost implication of broiler chickens fed graded
levels of pumpkin seed meal. Pumpkin seed sourced locally was toasted, milled and tagged as
pumpkin seed meal (PSM). Four treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were formulated in which soybean
meal (SBM) was replaced with PSM by 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%, respectively. Treatment 1 served as
control. One hundred and sixty (160) day-old Hubbard broilers chicks were used. They were
randomly distributed into the four treatments. Each treatment had 40 chicks divided into four
replicates of 10 each. The design used was a completely randomized design. The experimental
treatments and drinking water were supplied ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 42 days. Total feed
intake and daily feed intake were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by treatments. Total weight gain
(TWG), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (p<0.05)
affected by treatments. Birds fed T3 had highest TWG and DWG comparable to T1 while T4 had
lowest. Also, birds fed T3 had best feed conversion ratio comparable to T1 while T4 had worst. Cost
of feed reduced with increased inclusion level of PSM in the diets. However, T3 had the least total
cost of feed consumed while T1 had highest. Again, T3 had least feed cost/kg body weight while T4
had highest. It may be concluded that 5% PSM is recommended for economics of broiler production.
Keywords: Broiler, Cost implication, Performance, Pumpkin seed meal, Soybean meal

INTRODUCTION
Feed is a major factor determining profitability of livestock production in general and poultry
production in particular due to the over dependence on high cost conventional feedstuff (Adegbenro et
al., 2020). Feed alone constitutes about 55-70% cost of poultry production (Umar et al., 2018).
Therefore, to achieve economic of production least cost ingredients should be searched. In FAO
(2012) report, the use of locally available raw materials with potentials as feed ingredients in poultry
diets was emphasized. Another locally available raw material that has not been given much scientific
attention is pumpkin seed. Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) is an annual crop belonging to the family
Cucurbitaceae (Ly and Delgado, 2009). In Nigeria it is predominantly grown in the north for its
eatable fruits and leaves. The seeds are readily available and have limited food and industrial uses,
thus cheap. It main anti-nutritional factor is trypsin inhibitor (Ly and Delgado, 2009). Harnessing
pumpkin seed as feed resource would add value to pumpkin production. The objective of this study is;
to determine the performance and cost implication of broiler chickens fed graded levels of pumpkin
seed meal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was conducted at the poultry unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of
Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria. The
required quantity of pumpkin seed was sourced from Gashua Town and its environs. Thereafter, it
was toasted using fire wood to reduce the level of trypsin inhibitor. It was milled using Lister grinder
and was tagged as pumpkin seed meal (PSM). Sample of the pumpkin seed collected was analyzed to
determine the proximate composition using AOAC (2006) protocol (Table 1).
Four treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4) for starter and finisher broilers each with crude protein value of
23% and 21% respectively were formulated in which soybean meal (SBM) was replaced with PSM by
0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%, respectively. Treatment 1 served as control (Tables 2 and 3). One hundred
and sixty (160) day-old Hubbard broiler chicks were purchased from ECWA Rural Development, Jos,
Plateau State, Nigeria. They had an average initial weight of 49.61g. The chicks were

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 NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 1: Proximate composition (% DM) and some essential nutrients of pumpkin seed
**
Ash Moisture Protein Fat Crude Methionine protein
fibre 2.1
Carbohydra te 4.31 10.04 30.56 24. 00 % protein
*
Calcium *Phosphorus **Lysine 15.09 16.00 0.24% 0. 43% 5.1 %

Values are mean of 3 samples

* Source: feed composition Table (2012); **Ly and Delgado (2009).

Table 2: Dietary composition of starter diets

Maize
Ingredients T1 T2 T3 T4 50.62 50.62 50.62 50.62 Soya Bean Meal 27.00 26.32
25.65 24.97 Pumpkin Seed Meal 0.00 0.68 1.35 2.03 Wheat Offal 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00
Groundnuts cake 8.50 8.50 8.50 8.50 Fish Meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Bone Meal 2.00 2.00
2.00 2.00 Lime Stone 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 Lysine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Methionine 0.25 0.25
0.25 0.25 Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25

Table 3: Dietary composition finisher diets

Maize
Ingredients T1 T2 T3 T4 52.12 52.12 52.12 52.12 Soya Bean Meal 26.00 25.35 24.70
24.05 Pumpkin Seed Meal 0.00 0.65 1.30 1.95 Wheat Offal 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 Groundnuts
cake 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 Fish Meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Bone Meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Lime
Stone 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 Lysine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Methionine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Premix
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25

randomly allotted into four treatment groups. Each treatment group was assigned forty (40) birds and
further divided into four replicates of 10 each. The design used was a completely randomized design
(CRD). The birds were reared on deep litter system using wood shaving as litter material. The chicks
were brooded for 2 weeks (because the prevailing environmental condition was warm) using charcoal
as heat source while lanterns using dry cell batteries were used to provide light in case of electricity
failure. The experimental treatments and drinking water were supplied ad libitum. Infectious bursal
disease vaccine (IBDV) was administered at week one and repeated at week three. Newcastle disease
vaccine (Lasota) was administered at week two and repeated at week four. Antibiotics, coccidiostats
and anti-stress were administered as the need arise. Waste litter was removed weekly and replaced
with clean litter. Mortality was recorded as it occurred. The experiment lasted for 42 days.
Feed intake was monitored by feeding weighed quantities of feed weekly and subtracting the left-over
from the quantity fed the previous week. The birds were weighed weekly and weight gain calculated
by difference between 2 consecutive weighing. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was derived as the ratio
of feed consumed to weight gain.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

The cumulative cost of each ingredient in a dietary treatment as at the time of purchase gave the total
cost per treatment. Total cost of feed consumed, total feed consumed/kg body weight and feed cost/
kg body weight were all determined
The results were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS
version 16.0 and significance of differences among treatments was determined using Duncan multiple
range test.

Results
Generally, 5% (2 birds) mortality rate from each treatment was recorded in the first week of the
experiment.
Table 4 shows the average total feed intake, daily feed intake, total weight gain, daily weight gainand
 feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens up to 6 week of age. Total feed intake (TFI) and daily feed
intake (DFI) were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by treatments. Total weight gain (TWG) and
daily weight gain (DWG) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by treatments. Total weight gain,
(TWG), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (p<0.05)
affected by treatments. Birds fed T3 had highest TWG and DWG (2044.39±45.57 and 48.68±4.11g,
respectively) comparable to T1 (2042.67±54.52 and 48.64±2.73g, respectively) while T4 had lowest
(1790.43±58.36 and 42.63±3.19g, respectively).Birds fed T3 also had best FCR (1.60±0.05)
comparable to T1 (1.64±0.10) while T4 had worst (1.86±0.06).
Table 5 shows the cost implication of broiler chickens fed diets replacing soybean with pumpkin seed
meal up to 6 weeks of age. Cost of 100 kg feed and cost of 1 kg feed reduced with increased PSM in
the diets. However, T3 had least total cost of feed consumed (460.58) while T1 had highest (480.44).
Again, T3 had least total feed consumed / kg body weight (1.60kg) and feed cost /kg body weight
(N225.29) while T4 had highest (1.86kg and N 259.07, respectively).

Table 4: Average total feed intake, daily feed intake, total weight gain, daily weight gain (g) and
feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens up to 6 weeks of age
Treatments TFI DFI TWG DWG FCR T1 3349.86±23.26 79.76±6.23
2042.67±54.52a48.64±2.73a1.64±0.10c T2 3338.1±25.54 79.48±8.28
1907.48±43.16b45.42±3.38b1.75±0.09b T3 3272.97±26.44 77.93±10.46
2044.39±45.57a48.68±4.11a1.60±0.05c T4 3328.42±24.17 79.25±8.15
1790.43±58.36c42.63±3.19c1.86±0.06a
Level of significant NS NS * * *

Values are (Mean ± SEM): n=38, TFI = total feed intake, DFI = daily feed intake, TWG = total
weight gain, DWG = daily weight gain, FCR = feed conversion ratio.
Means in the same column with different superscripts differed significantly, but similar superscripts
did not differ significantly: * significantly (P<0.05); NS= Non- Significant (P>0.05).

Discussion
The insignificant difference observed in feed intake between the control and test diets indicates that
the treatments probably had similar energy contents that reflected in similar intake. Otherwise higher
intake would have been expected if any of the treatment had lower energy content. This is in
conformity with the report of Patha et al. (2015) that birds first take feed to satisfy their energy
requirements. The superiority of weight gain for broilers on T3 which favourably compared to T1
indicates that 5% PSM is the optimum inclusion level for broiler chickens without adverse effect on
weight gain. Also, the high feed

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 5: Cost implication of broiler chickens fed diets replacing soybean with pumpkin seed
meal
Treatment Cost Cost of kg feed consumed (kg) consumed (N) body weight body weight (N)
of 100kg (N) Total cost of Total feed (kg)
feed (N) Total feed feed consumed /kg feed cost /kg

T1 14342.10 143.42 3.35 480.44 1.64 235.20 T2 14206.10 142.06 3.34 474.21 1.75 248.61 T3
14072.10 140.72 3.27 460.58 1.60 225.29 T4 13936.10 139.36 3.33 463.85 1.86 259.07

conversion ratio for birds fed T3 favorably compared to T1 further confirms 5% PSM as the optimum
inclusion level. This agrees with the assertion of Zwoliński et al. (2017) that raw materials with high
nutrient quality can be used to substitute for soybean. This again explains that reducing soybean by
 5% and replacing that weight with PSM would give quality broiler diet. The mortality rate across the
treatments at the early part of the experiment perhaps could be due to slow adaptability of the birds to
the environment. This agrees with the statement of Oluyemi and Roberts (2000) emphasizing
environment, genetics and nutrition as major factors play in animals‘ survival. The drastic reduction
in feed cost as PSM replaces SBM upholds the report in FAO (2012) that least cost ingredients used
in poultry diet cut down cost of feed and the resultant cost of production. The least total cost of feed
consumed per weight gain and least feed cost per kg body weight observed in T3 indicate that for cost
effective of broiler feed production, PSM may be used at 5% level.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The performance and cost implication of broiler chickens fed graded levels of pumpkin seed meal
conducted in this study showed that the optimum level to used PSM in broilers diets was at 5%
without adverse effect on weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Feed cost reduces as
PSM replaces SBM. Therefore, 5% PSM is recommended for broiler chickens.

REFERENCES
Adegbenro, M., Ayeni, O. A., Agbede, J .O.andAletor, V. A. (2020). Inclusion of fluted pumpkin
(Telfariaoccidentalis) fortified bread waste in broiler chickens‘ diets. Bulletin of the National
Research Centre, 44:97.
AOAC (2006).Official methods of analysis of AOAC International. 18th ed. Arlington, V. A:
Association of Analytical Communities.
FAO (2012). Feed Resources Information System. Food and Agricultural Organization, Rome,
Italy. Feed Composition Table (2012). Nutrition: beefmagazine.com, 70.
Ly, J. and Delgado, E. (2009).A note on in vitro (pepsin/pancreatin) digestion of pumpkin (Curcubita
maxima) products in pigs.RevistaComputadorizationde production Porcina, 16(1): 23-27 Oluyemi, J.
A. and Roberts, P. A. (2000).Poultry productionin the warm wet climates. Spectrum Book Limited
Ibadan, Nigeria, 103-108.
Pathak, R., Ali, N., Shalu, K. S. and Singh H. S. (2015). Evaluation of growth performance of broiler
(Cobb400) under different composition of diets.The Bioscan, 10(4): 1465-1468 Umar, M., Nuhu, Y.
A., Yakubu, Z. M., Muazu, M. S. and Kirfi, A. M. (2018). Performance and organ characteristics of
broiler chickens fed varying levels of rumen content. Bull. Anim. Hlth. Prod. Afr., (2018), 66, 677-
685
Zwoliński, C., Gugołek, A., Strychalski, J., Kowalska,D., Chwastowska-Siwiecka, I. and
Konstantynowicz, M. (2017). The effect of substitution of soybean meal with a mixture of
rapeseed meal, white lupin grain, and pea grain on performance indicators, nutrient
digestibility, and nitrogen retention in Popielno.White rabbits, Journal of Applied Animal
Research, 45(1): 570-576

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF GROWER RABBITS FED GRADED LEVELS OF

JATROPHA SEED MEAL AS A REPLACEMENT FOR SOYA BEAN MEAL
1
Wafar*, R.J., 2Abdullahi, U and 4Sini, T.
1
Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
2
Department of Animal Health and Production, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Bauchi State
3
Department of Agriculture Education, Adamawa State College of Education, Hong Adamawa
State *Corresponding author Email: [email protected] phone number 08066320686

ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the utilization of fermented jatropha seed meal (FJSM) by grower rabbits. Thirty
(30) grower rabbits of mixed breeds and sex were purchased and used for the study. The rabbits were
assigned to five dietary treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times with two rabbits per
replicate in a completely randomized design. Data collected during the experiments were growth
parameters and were subjected to analysis of variance. The results from the growth performance
showed that final body weights and total weight gain decreased progressively (P<0.001) as FJSM
 increased in the diets. Final body weight of rabbits fed T1 (2561.20g) recorded significantly higher
(P<0.001) weight compared to those on jatropha seed meals. However, among Jatropha seed meal
based diets rabbit, fed T2 recorded significant higher (P<0.05) final body weight 2021.50g. Feed
conversion ratio also differed significantly (P<0.001) across the treatments. It was observed that the
superior feed conversion was recorded T1 (2.19) followed by T2 (4.42. Rabbit fed T5 had significant
(P<0.001) higher mortality (50.00%). It was observed from the study that rabbits fed T3, T4 and T5
diets recorded lower feed intake. It was therefore, concluded that fermented Jatropha seed meal can be
incorporated in grower rabbit diet up to 25% without adverse effect on the growth performance of
rabbit.
Keywords: Fermentation, Growth, Jatropha, Rabbits, Performance

INTRODUCTION
The use of non -convention plant protein especially from tropical legumes as an alternative to
conventional sources have been advocated by animal nutritionist in recent fast (Aslani et al. (2007).
However, the utilization of these tropical seeds in livestock feeds is subject to some inherent
constraints; of particular importance are problems associated with anti-nutritional factors. Processing
methods such as cooking, toasting, fermentation and soaking have been reported to reduce the anti
nutritional factor in seed (Antevy et al., 2017). One of the non-conventional feedstuffs focused in this
study is Jatropha curcas seed. The seed has been reported to contain 16-18% crude protein and anti
nutrients such as lectin, trypsin inhibitor, saponin, phytate, and phorbolesters (Antevy et al, 2017). A
study conducted by Antevy et al. (2017) to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed
differently processed Jatropha curcas seed meal showed that broiler chickens fed fermented Jatropha
curcas seed meal recorded higher feed intake, final body weight gain and superior feed conversion
ratio. The study adopted fermentation as a method of processing. Fermentation is one of the oldest
forms of feed processing and preservation and also has the capacity to improve nutritional and
functional properties of the feed stuff (Frias et al. 2008). This study therefore examined utilization of
fermented jatropha seed meal (FJSM) by grower rabbits

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted at the Rabbit Unit of the Department of Animal Science and Range
Management, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola. Jatropha curcas fruits were
purchased from Yola market. The fruits were cracked mechanically to remove the seeds. The seeds
were then cleaned of dirts by washing and packed in a jute sack cooked for 48 hours, drained and put
in an air tight container for 72 hours to allow natural fermentation. Thirty (30) grower rabbits of
mixed breeds and sex were purchased from rabbit farmers within Yola metropolis, Adamawa State,
Nigeria. The rabbits were assigned to five dietary treatments. Each treatment was replicated three
times with two rabbits per replicate in a completely randomized design. Each rabbit was housed in a
fitted with aluminium feeder and drinker. The experimental animals were given prophylactic
treatment against endo and ecto-parasites. Five diets were compounded using FJSM to replace

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

soyabean meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% designated as treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively as
shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Ingredient and Percentage Composition of Experimental Diets

Replacement levels of fermented Jatropha seed meal Ingredients T1 (0 %) T2 (25%) T3 (50 %) T4
(75%) T5 (100 %) Maize 52.00 52.00 52.00 52.00 52.00 Soyabean meal 18.00 13.50 9.00 4.50 0.00
FJSM 0.00 4.50 9.00 13.50 18.00 Groundnut haulms 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Maize offal
13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 Fish meal 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 Bone meal 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
3.00 Premix* 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Lysine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Methionine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Total 100 100 100 100 100 Calculated analysis
Crude protein 16.83 16.64 16.73 16.65 16.70 Crude fibre 8.84 8.76 8.70 8.63 8.69 ME Kcal/kg
2978.14 2998.13 2990.14 2992.88 2991.34
*Vitamin-mineral premix provider per kg the following: Vit. A 1500 IU; Vit.D3 3000 IU; Vit.E 30 IU;
Vit.K 2.5mg; Thiamine B1 3mg; Riboflavin B2¬ 6 mg; Pyrodoxine B6 4 mg; Niacin 40 mg; Vit. B12 0.0
mg; Pantothenic acid 10 mg;Folic acid 1mg; Biotin 0.08 mg; Chloride 0.125mg; Mn 0.0956 g; Antioxidant
0.125 g; Fe 0.024 g; Cu 0.006 g; Se 0.24 g; Co 0.24. SBM *= Soyabean meal

Data were collected for 12weeks. Rabbits were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and
 weekly, subsequently. Weight gain was calculated as final body weight minus initial body weight.
Feed intake was obtained as the difference between the quantity offered and quantity not consumed.
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated as feed intake divided by weight gain and recorded as
they occurred. Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance means were separated
using Duncan's Multiple Range Test using SAS (2003).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The proximate compositions of the raw and fermented jatropha seed meal are presented in Table 2.
The results showed higher values of crude Protein (CP) 43.67%, ash (9.13%) and lower values of
crude fibre (2.41%), ether extracts (20.18%), nitrogen free extracts (NFE) (14.52%) and
metabolizable energy (3765.83%) for the fermented Jatropha seed meal. The higher crude protein
(CP) content observed in fermented Jatropha seed meal could possibly be due to the modification
effect of the fermentation process that leads to crude protein improvement. The CP values of both raw
and fermented Jatropha seed meal were within the range of 35-50% crude protein reported by Aslani
et al. (2007). The ash content of the fermented Jatropha seed meal in this study is higher than that of
soybean meal (6.40%). This indicates that fermented Jatropha seed meal may be comparable to
soybean meal in its usefulness in rabbit diets. The crude fibre (CF) content of the raw and fermented
Jatropha seed meal is lower than 9.10% reported by Sumaiti et al. (2012). The variation in the crude
fibre composition when compared to other studies could be attributed to the differences in agronomic
practices, laboratory analysis and edaphic factors (Taiwo et al., 2005).
Anti-nutritional composition of raw and fermented Jatropha seed meal
The result of the anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) composition (Table 3) shows that raw Jatropha seed
contained 3.32mg phorbolester, 20.45mg trysin inhibitors, 191.56mg saponnin, 278.67mg tannin,
94.67mg oxalates and 234.56mg phytates. It results showed decrease in antinutrients as a result of
fermentation. The presences of anti-nutrients in the raw jatropha seed meal confirm the earlier report
of Makkar and Becker, (1999) that jatropha seed meal contained high concentration of anti-nutritional
factors. The use of fermentation as a method of detoxification however, reduced the concentration of

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

ANFs and increased the nutrient composition of Jatropha seed meal, but did not completely remove
the ANFs in the seed.
Table 2 Proximate Composition of Raw and Fermented Jatropha Seed
Meal Parameter Raw Fermented
Dry matter 91.11 89.91
Crude Protein 30.11 43.67
Ether extracts 32.13 20.18
Crude fibre 4.06 2.41
Ash 7.13 9.13
NFE 17.68 14.52
Metabolizable Energy 4344.24 3765.83
Metabolizable Energy = ME (kcal/kg) = 37 x % CP + 81 x % EE + 35.5 x % NFE. Calculated
according to the formula of Pauzenga, (1985)

Table 3 Anti-nutritional composition of raw and fermented Jatropha seed meal

(mg/100g) Parameter Raw Fermented
Phorbolesters 3.32 2.11
Trypsin inhibitors 20.45 8.67
Saponin 191.56 78.98
Tannins 278.67 87.89
Oxalates 94.67 56.45
Phytates 234.56 58.11

Growth Performance of rabbits fed fermented Jatropha seed meal

Table 4, showed the growth performance of rabbits fed fermented Jatropha seed meal. The final body
 weights and total weight gain were highly (P<0.001) influenced by the replacement levels of
fermented Jatropha seed meal. Final body weight of rabbits fed T1 (2561.20g) recorded significantly
higher (P<0.001) weight compared to those on jatropha seed meals among Jatropha seed meal based
diets rabbit fed T2 recorded significant higher (P<0.05) final body weight 2021.50g. Total body
weight gain and total feed intake varied from 203.00g/day in T5 to 1361.10g/day in T1 and
1212.40g/day in T1 to 4351.10g/day in T1 respectively. Feed conversion ratio also differed
significantly (P<0.001) across the treatments. It was observed that the superior feed conversion was
recorded T1 (2.19) followed by T2 (4.42) and the inferior value in T3 (5.25), T4 (5.06) and T5 (5.97)
respectively. Rabbit fed T5 had significant (P<0.001) higher mortality (50.00%). It was observed from
the study that rabbits fed T3, T4 and T5 diets recorded lower feed intake. This could be attributed to
the residual effect of anti-nutritional factors in the fermented Jatropha seed meal which resulted to low
palatability of diets. Ogbu et al. (2015) reported that anti-nutritional factors such as tannins and
saponins decrease feed intake due to its astringent properties. Phytate also has been reported to reduce
the bioavailability of divalent cations due to insoluble complexes formation during digestion and
absorption of minerals (Weaver and Kanna, 2002). This showed that rabbits fed T3 (50%), T4(75%)
and T5 (100%) inclusion levels of Jatropha seed meal could not efficiently absorb the dietary nutrients
in the gastro-intestinal tract as a result of high concentration of antinutritional factors. Esonu et al.
(2001) also reported that high trypsin inhibitors in the diet reduce protein digestibility resulting in
poor utilization of available nutrients. The finding from this study confirmed the result of Abdel Shafy
et al. (2011) who reported significant reduction in feed intake and growth rate of more than 30% as a
result of residual phorbol esters in jatropha seed meal. Rabbit fed T5 diets recorded high percentage of
mortality percentage this could be attributed to residual content of phorbolester. Agboola and
Adenuga, (2015) reported high percentage of mortality of birds fed 10% inclusion of Jatropha seed
meal

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 5: Growth performance of rabbit fed graded levels of fermented Jatropha curcas seed
meal
Replacement levels of fermented Jatropha seed meal
Parameter T1 (0%) T2 (25%) T3 (50%) T4 (75%) T5 (100%) SEM Initial body weight (g) 1200.10 1190.10 1180.02 12002
ns a b c d e ***
1198.30 27.09 Final body weight (g) 2561.20 2021.50 1681.10 1500.10 1401.30 73.86 Total weight gain (g)
a b c d e *** a b c d e ***
1361.10 831.40 501.10 300.00 203.00 12.59 Total feed intake (g) 4351.10 3676.20 2631.20 1520.20 1212.40 54.22 Feed
d c b b a *** b
conversion ratio 3.19 4.42 5.25 5.06 5.97 0.07 Mortality (%) 0.00 3.00 10.0 24.00 50.00 -
Means in the same row bearing different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.001), ns= not
significant (P>0.05), SEM = Standard error mean

CONCLUSION
The study showed that fermented jatropha seed meal can replace soyabean up to 25% FJSM as a
source of plant protein in formulating rabbit diets. It is therefore recommended that 25% fermented
Jatropha seed meal can be used in compounding rabbit diet.

REFERENCES
Agboola, A.F. and Adenuga, A.A. (2015) Performance and organ histopathology of growing Japanese
quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed heat treated jatropha seed cake substituted for soyabean
meal. Tropical Animal Production Investigation 18: 1-8
Abdel Gadir W.S, Onsa T.O, Ali W.E.M, El-Badwi S.M.A and Adam S.E.I (2003). Comparative toxicity
of Croton macrostachys, Jatropha curcas and Piper abyssinica seeds in Nubian goats. Small
Ruminant Research, 48:61–67
Abdel-Shafy, S., Nasr, S. M., Abdel-Rahman, H. H. and Habeeb, S. M. (2011) Effect of Various Levels of
Dietary Jatropha curcas seed Meal on Rabbits Infested by the Adult Ticks of Hyalomma
Marginatum Marginatun in Animal Performance, Anti-tick feeding and Haemogram. Tropical
Animal Health Production, 43 (2): 347-357.
Antyev, M.,Yakubu, B., Aliyara, Y.H., and Wafar, R.J. (2017). Effects of Processing Methods of
Jatrophacurcas Seed Meal on Growth Performance and Blood Profile of Broiler Finisher
Chickens.Asian Research Journal of Agriculture.4 (4): 1-9
Aslani, M.R., Maleki, M., Mohri, M., Sharifi, K., Najjar- Nezhad, V. and Afshari, E. (2007) Castor bean
(Ricinus communis) toxicosis in a sheep flock. Toxicology 49: 400-406
 Esonu B. O., Undedibie A. B. I., Herbert U., Odey J. O. and Odu S. (2011). Comparative Evaluation of
Raw and Cooked jack been (Canavalia insiformis) on the performance of weaner rabbits. World
Rabbit Science 4:139 – 141
Frias, J., Song, Y.S., Martinez- Villaluenga, C., De Mejia, E.G and Vidal-Valverde, C. (2008).
Immunoreactivity and amino acid content of fermented soya bean products. Journal of
Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 56 (1):99 -105
Makkar, H.P.S. and Becker, K. (1999). Plant toxins and detoxification methods to improve feed quality of
Tropical Seeds Quality of Tropical Seeds. Asian-Australian Journal Animal Science. 12 (3):467-
480
Ogbu N.N., Ogbu C.C. and Okorie A.U. (2015). Growth performance of broiler chickens fed raw and
processed pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) Seed Meal. Journal Animal Science Advances, 5(7): 1350
1356
Sumiati, F., Hermana, W., Sudarman, A., Istichomah, N. and Setiyono, A. (2012). Broiler performances
fed diet contained Jatrophacurcas L. meal fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus. Journal Animal
Science Technology, 34 (2): 117-125
Taiwo, A. A., Adejuyigbe, A.D., adeowale, J.A., Osbotan, J.S and David, O.O (2005). Performance and
nutrient digestibility of weaned rabbits fed forages supplemented with concentrates. Nigerian
Journal of Animal Production, 32(1):74-78
Weaver, C.M. and Kanna, S. (2002). Phytate and mineral bioavailability In: Reddy, N.R. and Sathe, S.K.,
editors Food Phytates. CRC press, Boca Raton., Florida, USA 211-224

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

PERFORMANCE AND COST BENEFIT OF REPLACING WHEAT OFFAL WITH

XYLANASE-SUPPLEMENTED RICE OFFAL IN THE DIETS OF BROILER FINISHER
CHICKENS
1
Kawu, Y. U. and 2Shuaibu, I.
1
Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 1006, Damaturu,
Nigeria. 2Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Bauchi State.
Corresponding author: [email protected] Phone no: 08065631979

ABSTRACT
Increasing cost of conventional feed ingredients used in the formulation of poultry diets has continued
to be a great challenge for poultry producers in developing countries like Nigeria. Consequently,
readily available and cheaper alternatives need to be explored. An experiment was conducted to
evaluate the performance and cost benefit of finisher broilers fed Xylanase-supplemented rice offal
(XSRO) based diets as replacement for wheat offal. Three hundred finisher broiler chickens were
assigned to five diets in which XSRO replaced wheat offal at 0 (diet 1), 25 (diet 2), 50 (diet 3), 75
(diet 4), and 100% (diet 5) levels in a completely randomized design. Xylanase was suppplemented at
1g/10kg rice offal and the study lasted for 4 weeks. Daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed
conversion ratio, mortality rate, feed cost per kg, feed cost per kg gain and cost saving, were the main
parameters studied. Results showed no significant difference in daily feed intake, daily weight gain
and feed conversion ratio. However, feed cost per kg gain (N) decreased with increased level of
XSRO in the diet. It was therefore concluded that Xylanase-supplemented rice offal can completely
replace wheat offal in the diets of finisher broilers without compromising performance. Also, the
replacement of XSRO for wheat offal at 100% level resulted in a cost saving of N162.60.

Key words: Broiler, wheat offal, rice offal, Xylanase, Performance, cost.

INTRODUCTION
Ensuring higher returns on investment at minimum expenditure on feed, is the principal target of any
poultry business. This could be achieved when costly, highly competitive conventional feed
ingredients are replaced with those that are cheaper, less competitive and readily available.
Accordingly, the use of cereal by-products as dietary fibre source to replace the conventional wheat
offal in poultry diets has been advanced by researchers (Dafwang and Shwarmen, 1996; Ajighjigh et
al., 2017; Egbunu et al., 2020). Cereal by-products arise from dry milling (to produce flour), wet
 milling (starch and glucose production) and brewing. Commonly available among these products is
rice offal.

According to Wudiri, (1991), Nigeria had the potential to produce 200,000 metric tonnes of rice offal
per year. This quantity must have increased greatly in recent years due to increased level of rice
production and processing in the country. Rice offal or rice milling waste, is the by-product obtained
from small-scale rice mills. It contains husk, bran, polishing and small quantity of broken rice
(Akinusi, 1999). Its commercial value is very low and it has a proximate composition of 4.25% CP,
27.01% CF, 7.15% EE, 41.14% NFE and 0.38, 0.04% calcium and phosphorus respectively
(Ajighjigh et al., 2017). However, its profile and efficiency of utilization could be improved through
processing techniques such as chemical treatment with urea or the addition of exogenous enzymes
(Tiemako, 1994).

The use of fibrolytic exogenous enzymes in poultry diets to improve efficiency of nutrient utilization,
has been studied (Anuradha and Barun, 2015). The positive nutritional effects achieved by the
addition of these enzymes could be attributed to several mechanisms, one of which is, the reduction of
intestinal viscosity. High intestinal viscosity results in reduced feed conversion ratio, reduced weight
gain as well as wet droppings in poultry (Paloheimo et al., 2011).

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Against this background, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and cost benefit of
utilizing rice offal supplemented with Xylanase as replacement for wheat offal in broiler finisher
diets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was carried out at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Abubakar
Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. The study area is located within the GPS coordinates of 10 o18‘
50.9724‖ N and 9o50‘ 46.6152‖ E, with a mean annual rainfall of 1009 mm. (World Atlas, 2015). The
test materials (rice offal, Xylanase) and other feed ingredients were procured from Muda Lawal
market, Bauchi.

Five broiler finisher diets were formulated to contain 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% Xylanase-supplemented
rice offal (1g/10kg) as replacement for wheat offal. The diets were designated as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
respectively. Composition of ingredients in the experimental diets is presented in Table 1. A total of
three hundred (300) finisher broilers weighing 852.00 - 940.31 g were randomly allotted to five diets
in replicates of three, containing twenty birds each. Feed and water were served ad libitum and the
study lasted for 4 weeks. Daily feed intake was measured as the differences between quantity of feed
offered and left-over collected the following day. Body weight gain was determined as the difference
between two consecutive weighing (1-week interval), while feed conversion ratio was calculated
using the relationship of daily feed intake and daily weight gain. Mortality was recorded as it
occurred. Financial benefit was computed using feed cost per kg, total feed intake and total weight
gain. All data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the SPSS software version 25,
and where significant differences were observed, Duncan‘s Multiple Range Test (Duncan, 1955) was
used to separate them.

Table 1: Ingredients Composition (%) and Calculated Analysis of Xylanase-Supplemented Rice Offal
Fed to Finisher Broilers
Diets
Ingredient 1 2 3 4 5 Maize 51.97 51.76 51.76 51.76 51.76 Full-fat soya bean 14.72 14.72
14.72 14.72 14.72 Groundnut cake 12.02 12.02 12.02 12.02 12.02 Wheat offal 15.00 11.25
7.50 3.75 0.00 Rice offal 0.00 3.75 7.50 11.25 15.00 Fish meal 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Bone
meal 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Limestone 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Premix* (Finisher) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Methionine 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Lysine 0.20
0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Calculated analysis (%)
 ME (Kcal/kg) Crude Protein (%)
3006.45 3018.11 3029.74 3042.03 3053.18 20.07 19.70
Crude Fibre (%)
19.51 19.33 19.14 3.88 3.97 4.11 4.22 4.33

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results of growth performance showed no significant (P>0.05) effect of diet on daily feed intake
(81.59 - 98.43 g) daily weight gain (35.39 - 39.67 g) and feed conversion ratio (2.23 - 2.71), while
1.67% mortality was recorded on diet 1. This agrees with Egbunu et al. (2020), but contradicts
Isikwenu et al. (2000). However, due to the higher fibre content of the experimental diets, it is
expected that at least feed intake would be significantly higher, since birds usually eat to satisfy their

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

energy needs. Energy availability in diets containing relatively higher levels of fibre is usually low.
Hence birds consume more of the diet in order attain their energy requirement. The findings of this
study could further be explained by the activity of supplemental enzyme which was shown to have the
capacity to increase efficiency of digestion by helping to break down anti-nutritional factors, such as
fibre and phytate (Alsersy et al., 2015). In a recent study, Salami and Odunsi (2019) reported that
performance of broiler chickens fed dietary crude fibre up to 8% would not be compromised when
Roxazyme G® was supplemented at 200 mg/kg feed.

Total feed intake revealed that birds on diet 1 consumed more feed (2.76 kg) than those on other diets,
with those on diet 4 consuming the least (2.28 kg). Feed cost per kg (N) decreased from N118.11 on
diet 1 to N87.72 on diet 5. This was due to the comparatively lower cost of rice offal. Total feed cost
decreased steadily from N325.98 on diet 1 until N216.74 (diet 4) and later increased to N221.05 on
diet 5. Feed cost per kg gain (N) decreased from N428.93 on diet 1 to N266.33 on diet 5. This could
be informed by the concomitant decrease in feed cost per kg gain (N). The ability of supplemental
enzyme to increase nutrient bio-availability and digestion could also be implicated in the reduction of
feed cost (Felix et al., (2018).

Table 2: Performance of Broiler Finisher Chickens Fed Diets Containing Xylanase-Supplemented

Rice Offal
Diets
Parameters 1 2 3 4 5 SEM Initial weight (g) 919.11 852.73 940.31 939.94 908.35 61.94 NS Final weight (g)
1682.88 1596.06 1773.38 1707.56 1735.13 107.79 NS Total feed intake (g) 2756.04 2560.04 2481.36 2284.52
2518.32 159.38 NS Daily feed intake (g) 98.43 91.43 88.62 81.59 89.94 8.25 NS Daily weight gain (g) 36.37
35.39 39.67 36.55 38.85 2.37 NS Feed conversion ratio 2.71 2.57 2.24 2.23 2.37 0.24 NS Mortality (%.) 1.67 0
000-

NS= Not significant; SEM = Standard Error of Means

Table 3: Cost-Benefit of Finisher Broiler Chickens Fed Xylanase-Supplemented Rice

Offal Diets
Parameters 1 2 3 4 5
Total feed intake (kg) 2.76 2.56 2.48 2.28 2.52 Feed cost (N/kg) 118.11 112.04 104.38 95.06 87.72
Total feed cost (N) 325.98 286.82 258.86 216.74 221.05 Total weight gain (kg) 0.76 0.74 0.83 0.77
0.83 Feed cost per kg gain (N) 428.93 387.60 311.88 281.48 266.33 Cost saving (N) - 41.33 117.05
147.45 162.60

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

From the results obtained of this study, it was concluded that rice offal supplemented with Xylanase at
1g/10kg can completely replace wheat offal in broiler finisher diets without compromising
performance. Furthermore, replacement of wheat offal with xylanase-supplemented rice offal at 100%
resulted in 37.91% decrease in feed cost. The use of rice offal along with 1g/10kg Xylanase as main
fibre source in broiler finisher diets is therefore recommended.
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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

REFERENCES
Ajighjigh, D. T., Doma, U. D., Egbo, M. L. Mahmood, M., Maidala, A. A. and Zagi, S. P. (2017).
Response of broiler chickens to different dietary fibre sources. International Journal of
Science, Engineering and Management. 2 (12): 2456 – 1304.
Akinusi, O. (1999). Utilization of rice milling waste (RMW) in cockerel finisher ration. Proceedings
of the 25th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, 21 – 25 March,
1999, Ilorin. Pp 120 – 122.
Alsersy H., Salem, A. Z. M., Borhami, B. E., Olivares, J. G., Ado, H. M., Mariezcurrena, M. D. et al.
(2015). Effect of Mediterranean saltbush (Atriplex harimus) ensilaging with two developed
enzyme cocktails on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation in sheep.
Animal Science Journal, 86: 51 – 58.
Anuradha, P. nad Barun, R. (2015). Effect of supplementation of fibre degrading enzymes on
performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing de-oiled rice bran. Asian Journal of
Animal and Veterinary Advances. 10: 179 – 184
Dafwang, I. I. and Shwarmen, E. B. N. (1996). Utilization of rice offal in practical rations for broiler
chiks. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production. 23 (1): 21 -23
Duncan, D.B. (1955). Multiple Range and Multiple F. Test. Biometrics.11, 1-42. Felix, N., Prabu, E.,
Kannan, B. and Manikandan, K. (2018). An evidential review on potential benefits of enzyme in aqua
feed industry. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Science, 7(12): 2053 –
2074.
Egbunu, P. E., Tuleun, C. D., Orayaga, K. T. and Adejoh, S. K. (2020). Effects of dietary rice offal
inclusion level and enzyme (Natuzyme) supplementation on the performance and digestibility
of finisher broiler chiken. Asian Journal of Research in Animal and Veterinary Sciences 5 (2):
10 – 23.
Isikwenu, J. O., Akpodiete, O. J., Emegha, I. and Bratt, L. (2000). Effect of dietary fibre (Maize cob)
on the growth performance of broiler birds. 25th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of
Animal production (NSAP), Umudike, Abia sate, pp 158 -160.
Paloheimo, M., Piltonen, J. and Vehmaanpera, J. (2011). Xylanases and cellulases as feed additives.
In: Enzymes in Farm Animal Nutrition, 2nd Ed. MPG Books Group, Bodmin, UK pp 12 – 53. Salami,
R. I. and Odunsi, A. A. (2019). Performance od broiler chickens fed 8% crude fibre diets at three
energy levels with or without enzyme during the starter and finisher phases. International Journal of
poultry science, 18(9); 423 – 430.
Tiemako, Y. (1994). Effects of using rice polishing in broilers. Poultry Abstract, 2615:78 World Atlas
(2015): Where is Bauchi. Retrieved September 14, 2018 from
https://www.worldatlas.com/af/ng/ba/where-is-bauchi.
Wudiri, B. B. (1991). Production of cereal crops in Nigeria. From research to farmers‘ fields. A
seminar paper delivered to staff and students at the Plateau State College of Agriculture, Lafia.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

PERFORMANCE AND COST BENEFIT OF REPLACING FISH MEAL WITH

 BLOOD MEAL IN BROILER FINISHER DIETS
1
Muhammad, B. A., 2Kawu, U.Y., 3Adepoju, A.A., 4Doma, U. D.
1
Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, P.M.B. 0110, Gombe, Nigeria 2 Department of
Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 1006, Damaturu, Nigeria. 3 Department of
Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa,Gombe state 4Department of
Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University,
P. M. B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria,
Corresponding Author: [email protected] Phone no. 08065520421

ABSTRACT:
Fish meal, an ingredientused in poultry feed formulation, is expensive and very often scarce in
Nigeria. Consequently, this has contributed in the rising cost of poultry diets. There is therefore a need
to identify other available and cheaper alternatives that can substitute fish meal in poultry rations. An
experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and financial benefits of finisher
broilers fed diets containing blood meal as replacement for fish meal. Five diets were formulated in
which blood meal replaced fish meal at 0, 25, 50, 75and 100% levels, designated as diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5 respectively. Three hundred finisher broiler chickens of the cobb strain weighing between 475.00
and 481.00 g were randomly allotted to five diets in replicates of four containing 15 birds each in a
completely randomized design. Feed and water were provided ad libitum and the study lasted for
twenty-eight days. Parameters studied include daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion
ratio, mortality, feed cost per kg, feed cost per kg gain and cost saving (N). No significant (P>0.05)
difference was observed in daily feed intake (85.52 -90.55 g). However, daily weight gain (22.43 –
28.92 g) was higher (P<0.05) on diets 1 and 3. Similarly, feed conversion ratio (3.10 – 4.04) was
better (P<0.05) on diets 1 and 3 and poorer on diet 4. Feed cost per kg was lower on diets containing
blood meal (N122.12 – 142.55) compared to diet 1 (N152.52). Feed cost per kg gain was least on diet
4 (N423.23) and highest on diet 2. (N495.90). It was concluded that blood meal can replace fish meal
in broiler diets up to 50% level without compromising performance and with a cost saving of N28.35.
Keywords: Finisher, Broiler, Blood meal, Performance, Cost

INTRODUCTION:
Poultry production is an enterprise that can be used to fight poverty and malnutrition. However, feed
cost has been on the increase which constituted a major challenge for growth of the industry.
Consequently, effective management of costs and benefits must be put in place in order to make profit
and remain in business. Factors that affect profitability in poultry production include costs of inputs,
rate of growth(weight gain), flock size, disease risks, general management, judicious use of inputs and
disease control, among others (Jadhav and Siddiqui, 2010). Feed constitutes 60-70% of the total cost
of poultry production (Adebambo et al., 2010). In most tropical countries, fish meal, is very expensive
and often scarce. Its scarcity has contributed in the rising costs of poultry feeds (Oluyemi and Roberts,
2013). Blood meal is a dark chocolate-coloured powder with characteristic smell. It contains about 65
– 85% protein. This variation could be due differences in processing methods (McDonald, 1992). It is
one of the richest sources of lysine (NRC, 1994). Research findings have shown that the incorporation
of blood meal at 1 – 45 level in poultry diets resulted in better growth (Ikram et al., 1989). In a recent
study, Ebuo et al. (2017), reported no significant difference when fish meal was replaced for blood
meal at 3% level in broiler chicken diets. This study was therefore designed to determine the optimum
replacement level of blood meal (BLM) in broiler finisher diets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was conducted at the Poultry Unitof the Teaching and Research Farm, Abubakar
Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria. The area lies within the coordinates; 10 o18ˈ37.2‖ N and
9o50ˈ 38.0‖ E and islocated at an altitude of about 616 metres above sea level with average annual
rainfall of 1009 mm and daily temperatures of 13 - 17o C (December – January) and 36 – 37o C
(March – April) (Geodatos, 2019). Blood meal and other feed ingredients including fish meal, were

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

procured from different markets in Bauchi Metropolis. Proximate analysis ofBLM and fish meal
(Table 1) were carried out to determine their nutrients content according to (AOAC, 2006). Five
isonitrogenous, isocaloric diets were formulated in which blood meal replaced fish meal at 0, 25, 50,
75 and 100% levels designated as diets 1 (control), 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively (Table 2). Ingredient
composition (%) of the experimental dietsis presented in Table 2. A total of three hundred (300)
broiler chickens of the cobb strain weighing between 475.00 and 481.00gwere used for the
experiment. The birds were randomly allotted to five diets in replicates of four, containing fifteen
 birds each in a completely randomized design. Feed and clean drinking water were served ad libitum
and the study lasted for 4 weeks. Daily feed intake was measured as the difference between quantity
of feed offered and left-over collected the following day. Body weight gain was determined as the
difference between two consecutive weighing (1-week interval) while feed conversion ratio was
calculated using the relationship of daily feed intake and daily weight gain. Mortality was recorded as
it occurred. Cost benefit was computed using the cost of dietary ingredients (N/kg), cost of diet per
kg, total feed intake and total weight gain. All the data collected were subjected to analysis of
variance using the SPSS software, version 25, and where significant differences in means were
observed, Duncan‘s Multiple Range Test (Duncan, 1955) was used to separate them.

Table 1: Proximate composition of fish meal and blood meal

Ingredient %DM %CP %EE %CF %Ash %NFE Fish meal 89.11 62.29 7.26 0.98 14.51 4.17 Blood
meal(BLM) 88.16 73.19 0.54 0.72 3.88 8.93 DM; Dry matter, CP; Crude Protein, EE; Ether extract, CF;
Crude fibre, NFE; Nitrogen free extract.

Table 2: Percentage Composition of broiler finisher diets in which blood meal replaced fish meal
(5-8) weeks
Ingredients Diets
12345
Maize 53.36 53.36 53.36 53.36 53.36 Full-fat soya bean 22.24 22.24 22.24 22.24 22.24 Fish meal 5.00
3.75 2.50 1.25 0.00 Blood meal 0.00 1.25 2.50 3.75 5.00 Wheat offal 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00
Limestone 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 Bone meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Premix* 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Methionine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Lysine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
0.20 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Calculated Analyses
CP (%) 19.23 19.57 19.83 20.06 20.27 ME (Kca/kg) 2824.00 2803.00 2809.00 2801.00 2793.00

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

The results for proximate analysis of blood meal and fish meal used in the study showed that blood
meal has a crude protein content of 73.19%, ether extract 0.54%, ash 3.88% and NFE 8.93%. These
values are lower than 83.12%, 1.00% 5.00% and 10.88% respectively reported by (Ebuo et al., 2017).
Results of growth performance showed that daily feed intake (88.25 – 90.55 g) did not significantly
(P>0.05) differ among treatments and were slightly lower than 94.44 – 103.02g obtained by (Khawaja
et al., 2007). Daily weight gain (DWG) was however higher (P<0.05) in birds fed the control diet
(28.92g) which was comparable to 26.28g for those on diet 3. Other treatments did not differ and were
lower in DWG. This agrees with (Khawaja et al., 2007) but contradicts (Ebuo et al., 2017) who
reported no significant (P>0.05) difference when methionine fortified blood meal replaced fish meal
in broiler chicken diets. Feed conversion ratio was better (P<0.05) on diet 1 (3.10), poor and similar

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

on diets 3 (37), 4 (3.46) and 2 (3.50) and poorest on diet 5 (4.04). Total weight gain was higher
(P<0.05) on diets 1 (0.81 kg) and 3 (0.74 kg) which were similar. Other diets had lower values (1.11 –
1.19 kg) which were also similar. Feed cost per kg was lower on diets containing blood meal
(N122.12 – 142.55) compared to the control (N152.52). Feed cost per kg gain was lowest on diet 4
(N423.23), followed by N444.28 (diet 3) and highest in diet 2 (N495.90). Consequently, the highest
cost saving of N49.40 was realizedon diet 4.

Table 3: Performance of finisher broiler chickens fed diets containing blood meal as replacement
for fish meal
Parameters Diets
1 2 3 4 5 SEM
Initial weight (g) 480.0 475.00 477.80 481.00 477.00 1.67NS Daily Feed Intake (g) 89.53 88.25 88.54
85.52 90.55 2.05 NS Daily Weight Gain (g) 28.92a25.18b26.28ab 24.71b22.43b1.51* Feed Conversion
Ratio 3.10a3.50b3.37b3.46b4.04c0.10 * Total feed intake (kg) 2.51 2.47 2.48 2.39 2.44 0.16 NS Final
weight (kg) 1.29a1.19b1.22a1.17b1.11b0.03 * Total weight gain (kg) 0.81a0.71b0.74a0.69b0.63b0.03*
Mortality (%) 1.66 0 0 1.66 1.66 - NS = Not significant, SEM= Standard Error of the Mean.

Table 4: Cost benefits of replacing fish meal with blood meal in broiler finisher diets
Parameter Diets
12345
Total feed intake(Kg) 2.51 2.47 2.48 2.39 2.44 Feed cost N/kg 152.52 142.55 132.57
 122.19 122.12
Total feed cost(N)/bird 382.83 352.09 297.97
328.77 292.03 3
Total weight gain(Kg) 0.81 0.71 0.74 0.69 0.63
Feed cost N/kg gain 472.63 495.90. 26 444.28 423.23 472.97
Cost saving (N) - -23.27 28.35 49.40 -0.34

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The results of this study showed that blood meal can replace fish meal up to 50% level in broiler
finisher diets without compromising performance and with a cost saving of N28.35. The replacement
of fish meal with blood meal at 50% inclusion level is hereby recommended in diets for
finisherbroiler chickens. Further study on other classes of poultry such as layers, quails, turkeys,
guinea fowl and ducks is also recommended.

REFERENCES
Adebambo, O.A., Daisy, E., Adebambo, A.O., Adeleke, M.A., Ajibola, E.S. and Ajayi, A.O. (2010).
Poultry Breeding, Feeding and Hatchery Management, Olukoya Print House, Ibadan.Pp 41-50.
AOAC (2006). Association of Official Analytical Chemist: Official Method of Analysis20th
Edition, Washington, D. C., USA. Pp277-294.
Duncan, D.B. (1955). Multiple Range and Multiple F. Test. Biometrics.11, 1-42. Ebuo, C. E.,
Emmanuel, A. A., Essien, E. N. (2017). Methionine fortified blood meal can replace fish meal in
broiler diets. International Journal of Livestock Production 8(9), 136 -144 Geodatos (2019).
Geographic coordinates of Bauchi, Nigeria
https://www.geodatos.net/en/coordinates/nigeria/bauchi.Last accessed 21.6.2020 Ikram, H.,
Ahmed, M. N., and Ehitisham, M. M. (1989). Effect of different levels of blood meal on broiler
performance. Pakistan Journal of Veterinary Research., 2: 51 -54
Jadhav, N.V. and Siddiqui, M.F. (2010). Handbook of Poultry Production and Management, 2nd
Edition, Jaypee Brothers Medical publishers, NewDelhi, India. Pp 125-149.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Khawaja, T., Khan, S. H. and Ansari, N. N. (2007). Effect of different levels of blood meal on broiler
performance during two phases of growth. International Journal of Poultry Science, 6 (12); 860
-865
McDonald, P., Edward, R. A. and Greenalgh, J. F. D. (1987). Animal Nutrition.Fourth
edition. Longman Group (FE), Limited. Hong Kong. Pp 547
NRC, (1994). National Research Council Nutrient Requirement of Poultry. 9th Edn., National
Academy Press, Washington, D. C., U.S.A., ISBN-13: 978-0-309-04892-7 Oluyemi, J. A. and
nd
Robert, F. A. (2013).Poultry Production in warm wet Climate.Macmillan press, London 2
Edition Pp 692
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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

NUTRIENT DETERMINATION OF CASSAVA PLANT MEAL

*
Adeyemi, M. A. and Akinfala, E. O.
*
Department of Animal Production and Health, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and
Technology, Okitipupa
Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-
Ife Corresponding email: [email protected]
Cell phone: +234 706 3055 036

ABSTRACT
The study assessed the nutrient profile in composite Cassava Plant Meal (CPM) with a view to
enhancing its efficiency through bio-fortification. Three CPM products were developed from Tropical
Manihot Species (TMS) 30572 harvested at 24 months. The sun-dried unpeeled cassava root meal,
cassava leaf meal and tender cassava stem meal were mixed at ratios 2:1, 2.5:1 and 3:1 while the ratio
of the leaves to tender stems was 5:1 across the three cassava plant meal products. The proximate
composition, minerals, amino acids and vitamins contents of CPM and maize were determined.
Results of proximate contents showed that CPM products had comparable crude protein and nitrogen
free extract as maize. CPM products showed superiority (P <0.05) in calcium content over maize meal
though maize meal was significantly higher (P <0.05) in phosphorus content compared to the three
CPM products. All evaluated parameters of amino acids showed differences (P<0.05) although
methionine contents were lower in all CPM products and maize. CPM products had significantly (P
<0.05) higher values than maize in all evaluated vitamin contents. Based on the findings of this study,
it can be concluded that CPM products had comparable nutrient profile as maize with CPM product 1
comparatively better in all evaluated nutrient profile.
Key words: Cassava plant meals, TMS 30572, maize, nutrients.

INTRODUCTION
Improving livestock productivity especially poultry and swine production require adequate supply of
low-cost feeding ingredients. The cost of feeding has been reported to be 65 – 80 % of the total cost of
production (Longe, 2006) with maize constituting 40 – 60 % of a balanced maize-soy based diet for
poultry and swine. However, the seasonal feed deficit, ever rising cost of feeding ingredients and
competition with human food consumption have consistently driven efforts towards the use of
alternative dietary energy feed resources for monogastrics (Morgan and Choct, 2016). One of such
alternative dietary energy feedstuff is cassava. Cassava and its components have enjoyed widespread
patronage as potential energy source for animal production in Nigeria. It is cheap, widely grown with
a yearly tuber production of 59.5 million tons and grows at an annual rate of + 4.0 %; the largest in
the world (FAOSTAT, 2018). However, after harvesting the value-giving component, substantial
proportion of the co-products (leaves and tender stems) are allowed to rot on farms and homesteads
(Akinfala and Tewe, 2004). The incorporation of these cassava fractions to form composite cassava
plant meal (unpeeled cassava tuber meal + cassava leaves and tender cassava stem meal) had been
shown by previous studies to enhance performance of pigs (Adeyemi and Akinfala, 2018; Akinfala et
al., 2013) and poultry (Akinfala et al., 2011; Akinfala et al., 2002;). Similarly, studies have reported
detailed information on the efficiency and nutrient profile of cassava flour (Ngiki et al., 2014; Nagib
and Sousa, 2007) or leaves (Iyayi and Losel, 2001) or peels (Iyayi and Losel, 2000) and its
acceptability as energy source for livestock. Nevertheless, the detailed nutrient profile of CPM has not
been widely documented. Detailed information on feed resource could support sustainable livestock
production and offer wider feed options in livestock production system (FAO, 2018). The research
was carried out to characterise the nutrients in cassava plant meal with a view to enhancing its
efficiency through bio-fortification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental location and preparation of test ingredients
The experiment was carried out at the Poultry Meat Laboratory of the Department of Animal Sciences
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and the Laboratory of Animal Science, University of Ibadan,

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Ibadan. The cassava variety of Tropical Manihot Species (TMS) 30572 aged 24 months were
 purchased from a commercial farm at Ile-Ife. The roots were lifted and soil was shaken off the roots
while the cassava leaves were harvested from the plant stem and the tender stems were harvested at 5
cm, usually 6 to 7 nodes from the top of the plant. All the cassava components were harvested
between June and November 2018. The fresh roots (unpeeled cassava root) were washed and chopped
into small pieces, sun-dried on a concrete floor for an average of 5 – 6 days depending on the intensity
of the sunlight, milled with 3 mm sieve mesh and packed into sacks. Also, the fresh cassava leaves
and tender stems were sun-dried for about 3-4 days and about 5 days respectively after harvesting,
milled and packed into separate sacks. The composite cassava plant meal products were mixed in line
with the procedure of Akinfala et al. (2002) at three different ratios of 2:1, 2.5:1 and 3:1 represented
as products 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The mixing ratio was in attempt to have comparable minimum
crude protein content of 10 % as maize.
Nutrient determination
The nutrients determined in the cassava plant meal products include amino acids (essential and non
essential amino acids), vitamins (fat and water soluble vitamins) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus,
zinc and copper). The fat soluble vitamins were determined following the procedure outlined by
Adams and Moss (1995). The amino acid profile was carried out using the spectrophotometric
determination of Ninhydrin chemical reaction. Mineral (Ca, P, Zn and Cu) contents and proximate
composition were determined following the methods of AOAC (2005).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The three cassava plant meal (CPM) products had comparable values with maize in the crude protein,
ether and nitrogen free extracts (Table 1). Although, significant difference (P <0.05) exists in the
values obtained for the crude fibre and ash with maize having the lowest values while CPM product 1
had the highest. The ash content of the CPM products decreased with increased inclusion of unpeeled
cassava root meal in the mix.
Table 1: Proximate composition of maize and cassava plant meal products
Proximate Composition (%) Maize CPM1 CPM2 CPM3 SEM p Dry Matter (DM) 88.05 90.18 90.17
90.06 0.36 0.15 Crude Protein (CP) 10.38 12.62 12.25 12.51 0.56 0.24 Crude Fibre (CF)
2.57d8.05a4.69c6.81b0.79 0.01 Ash 2.82c6.69a6.53a6.15b0.60 0.01 Ether Extract (EE) 4.53 5.38 3.12 3.33
0.37 0.30 Nitrogen Free Extract 67.75 57.44 63.58 61.26 0.07 0.28
a,b,c,d
means in the same row having different superscripts differ at p <0.05; SEM: Standard Error of Means Product 1
contained sun dried unpeeled cassava tuber meal + cassava leaf meal + tender cassava stem meal mixed at a ratio of 2:1
while the ratio of the leaves to tender cassava stems was 5:1 while Products 2 and 3 contained the same components but
mixed at ratios 2.5:1 and 3:1 respectively.

The mineral contents of maize and cassava plant meal is shown in Table 2. The CPM products have
significantly (P <0.05) higher values than maize for calcium but the values obtained for phosphorus
content of CPM were lower than maize. The calcium and phosphorus contents of CPM increased
significantly (P <0.05) across products 1 through 3. Lower calcium values (1.93 ppm and 0.28 ppm)
were reported by Akinfala et al. (2011) who determined the mineral contents of CPM product 2 and
maize. The minerals (zinc and copper) composition of CPM was comparable with maize. The
variations observed in the mineral composition of CPM and maize may be due to variations in their
ash and fibre contents.

Table 2: Mineral composition of cassava plant meal products

Minerals Maize CPM1 CPM2 CPM3 SEM P Calcium (%) 0.055b0.302a0.411a0.433a0.08 0.021
Copper (g/Kg) 0.018 0.025 0.022 0.024 0.03 1.00 Phosphorus (%) 0. 512a0.104b0.120b0.121b0.079
0.001 Zinc (g/Kg) 0.120 0.122 0.117 0.122 0.003 0.16 means having different superscript in a row differ
significantly (p <0.05)

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Significant differences (P <0.05) exist in all evaluated amino acid contents of maize and CPM (Table
3) except tryptophan. There was a steady decrease in the amino acid contents of CPM products from
CPM 1 through 3. This may be due to the increasing levels of unpeeled cassava root meal across CPM
1 through 3. Unsurprisingly, CPM products and maize had lower tryptophan, methionine and cystine
contents, which followed a decreasing order from CPM 1 through 3. The lower contents observed for
these corroborates the findings of earlier studies (Kong et al., 2016) that plant-based diets are poor
sources of methionine, cystine and tryptophan and should be adequately supplied in diets for poultry
and pigs for feed efficiency and growth.

Table 3: Amino acid composition of cassava plant meal products

Parameters (g/100 g) Maize CPM 1 CPM2 CPM 3 SEM P Leucine
 8.23a7.59ab 7.18b6.59b0.22 0.03 Lysine 4.14b4.61a4.35ab 4.08b0.07 0.01
Isoleucine 3.08b3.80a3.54a3.14b0.10 0.007
Phenylalanine 4.43b4.97a4.61b3.90c0.12 0.001 Tryptophan 0.89 1.00 0.89 0.73
0.34 0.56 Valine 3.80b4.21a3.97ab 3.27c0.12 0.003 Methionine
1.23a1.28a1.20a0.96b0.04 0.08 Proline 4.47a4.87a4.06b3.65c0.15 0.001 Arginine
5.68b6.19a5.50b5.16b0.14 0.02 Tyrosine 3.44ab 3.61a3.44ab 3.10b0.07 0.04
Histidine 2.68b2.87a2.49c1.98d0.10 0.001 Cystine 1.33a1.45a1.39a0.97b0.06 0.01
Alanine 4.32b5.23a4.93a3.72c0.18 0.001 Glutamic acid
13.32c14.53a14.08b12.87d0.20 0.001 Glycine 3.37b3.70a3.61a3.04c0.08 0.001
Threonine 3.22c3.77a3.55b2.94d0.09 0.001 Serine 3.78c4.43a4.05b3.89bc 0.08
0.001 Aspartic acid 7.38c8.56a7.94b7.07d0.17 0.001 means having different superscript in
a row differ significantly (p <0.05)

The values obtained for CPM products 1 and 3 were higher (p<0.05) in all evaluated vitamin contents
compared to CPM 2 and maize. The CPM 1 showed superiority over maize and other CPM products
in all evaluated parameters. CPM products have the most significantly higher values of vitamins A
(retinol) and niacin. The lower values of vitamin contents reported in this study could be due to the
large proportion of cassava root contained in the composite mix. Similar findings were reported by
Bayata (2019) and Salvador et al. (2014) who evaluated the contents of whole cassava root, unpeeled
cassava root meal and cassava root meal respectively and obtained lower values.

Table 4: Vitamins composition of cassava plant meal products

Vitamins Maize CPM1 CPM2 CPM3 SEM p A (µg/100g) 11.40d15.17a13.28c14.40b0.53 <0.001
D (µg/100g) 0.17d0.29a0.25c0.26b0.016 <0.001 E (µg/100g) 0.13d0.19a0.15c0.16b0.007 <0.001 K
(µg/100g) 0.09d0.12a0.10c0.11b0.003 <0.001 C (mg/100g) 0.10d0.18a0.15c0.17b0.012 <0.001
Thiamin (mg/100g) 0.21d0.24a0.22c0.23b0.003 0.01 Riboflavin (mg/100g)
0.07d0.10a0.08C0.09b0.003 0.01 Niacin (mg/100g) 2.06d2.28a2.10c2.17b0.03 0.011 Pyridoxine
(mg/100g) 0.29c0.31a0.30b0.30b0.003 0.002 Folate (mg/100g) 0.10c0.12a0.10c0.11b0.002 0.038
Cobalamin (mg/100g) 0.012d0.028a0.017c0.022b0.002 0.027 means having different superscript in a row
differ significantly (p <0.05)

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that cassava plant meal products had
comparable nutrient profile as maize with CPM product 1 comparatively better in all evaluated
nutrient profile. It is therefore recommended that CPM be supplemented with ample quantity of
phosphorus and methionine to enhance desirable performance of livestock.

REFERENCES
Adams, M. R. and Moss, M. O. (1995). Food Microbiology. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 27:
1118 – 1123.
Adeyemi, M. A. and Akinfala, E. O. (2018). Growth Response of Growing Pigs to Diets Containing
Graded Levels of Cassava Plant Meal, in: proceeding of the 23rd Annual Conference on
Development of a Resilient Livestock Industry for National Economic Growth, Ilorin, Nigeria, 9
– 13 September, 426 – 428.
Akinfala, E. O and Tewe, O. O. (2004). Supplemental effects of feed additives on the utilization of
whole cassava plant by growing pigs in the tropics. Livestock Research for Rural Development.
http://www.cipav.org.co/Irrd16.2akin.htm.16 (10); 20 – 24.
Akinfala, E. O., Aderibigbe, A. O. and Matanmi, O. (2002). Evaluation of the nutritive value of whole
cassava plant meal as replacement for maize in the starter diets for broiler chickens. Livestock
Research for Rural Development 14(6) http:www.cipav.org.co/lrrd14.6akin.htm
Akinfala, E. O., Adegbaju, S. W. and Ilori, J. O. (2013).Evaluation of the nutritive value of whole
cassava plant as a replacement for maize in the diets of growing pigs in the tropics. Ife Journal of
Agriculture.26:15 – 22.
Akinfala, E. O., Matanmi, O. and Tinuala, J. A. (2011). Nutrient characterization of cassava plant
meal and its utilization by broiler chicken in the tropics. Livestock Research for Rural
Development, 23(11):1 – 9
AOAC (2005). Official methods of analysis. 18th edition. Published by the Association of Official
Analytical Chemists; Arlington, Virginia.
Bayata, A. (2019). Review of nutritional value of cassava for use as a staple food. Science Journal of
Analytical Chemistry, 7(4): 83 – 91. DOI:10.11648/j.sjac.20190704.12
FAO (2018). World Livestock: Transforming the livestock sector through the Sustainable
 Development Goals. Rome. 222 pp. Licence: CC B Y-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
FAOSTAT (2018). Food and Agriculture Organization Statistics. Retrieved from
http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC. Accessed December, 17, 2020.
Iyayi, E. A. and Losel, D. M. (2000). Cyanide detoxification in cassava by-products by fungal solid
state fermentation. Journal of Food Technology in Africa, 5(2): 48 – 51 .
Iyayi, E. A., and Losel, D. M. (2001). Protein enrichment of cassava by-products through solid state
fermentation by fungi. J Feed Tech Afr., 6:116 - 118.
Kong, C., C. S. Park, J. Y. Ahn, and B. G. Kim. (2016) Relative bioavailability of DL-methionine
compared with l-methionine fed to nursery pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology; 215:181–
185. Doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.03.011
Longe, O. G. (2006). Meeting the energy needs of non-ruminants from non-conventional feed
resources in Nigeria. In: Proceedings of National workshop on alternative formulation of
livestock feeds in Nigeria, ARMTI, Ilorin, November, 21-25, 1988. Pp: 192 – 203.
Morgan, N. K. and Choct, M. (2016). Cassava: Nutrient composition and nutritive value in poultry
diets. Animal Nutrition, 2: 253 – 261.
Nagib, M. A. and Sousa, M. V. (2007). Amino acid profile in cassava and its interspecific hybrid.
Genet Mol Res., 6:292 - 297.
Ngiki, Y. U., Igwebuike, J. U. and Moruppa, S. M. (2014). Utilisation of cassava products for poultry
feeding: a review. Int J Sci Tech., 2(6):48 - 59.
Salvador, E. M., Steenkamp, V. and Mc Crindle, C. M. E. (2014). Production, consumption and
nutritional value of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Mozambique: An overview. Journal of
Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development, 6(3): 29 – 38.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

CARCASS TRAITS AND HAEMATOLOGY OF BROILER FINISHER CHICKENS FED

DIETS CONTAINING MAIZE OFFAL SUPPLEMENTED WITH RAXOZYME G® AS
REPLACEMENT FOR WHEAT OFFAL
1
Shuaibu, I., 2Kawu, Y. U., 3Doma, U. D., 3Mancha, Y. P. and 3Sanusi,
M. 1Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Bauchi State.
2
Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 1006, Damaturu, Nigeria.
3
Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P. M. B. 0248, Bauchi,
Nigeria
Corresponding author: [email protected] Phone no: 08065631979

ABSTRACT
A twenty-one days feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the carcass traits and haematology of
finisher broiler chickens fed dietary levels of enzyme-supplemented (Raxozyme G 10g/kg) maize
offal (ESMO) as replacement for wheat offal. Five diets were formulated in which ESMO replaced
wheat offal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels, coded as diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. A total of
three hundred finisher broiler chickens weighing between 922.27 and 1010.16g were randomly
allotted to five treatments, replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. Each replicate
contained 20 birds. Data was collected for carcass yield, organs‘ relative weights and haematological
indices. Results showed that dressing percentage (69.31. 74.08%) was higher (P<0.05) on diets
containing enzyme-supplemented maize offal. Similarly, organ weights as percentage of live weight,
were significantly (P<0.05) affected for spleen (0.12 – 0.20%), abdominal fat (1.47 – 2.48%) and liver
(1.37 – 1.67%). Values obtained for haematological parameters however, revealed that Packed Cell
Volume (22.28 – 26.98%), haemoglobin (7.12 – 8.88g/dl) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (35.95 –
49.17 fl), were significantly (P<0.05) higher on diets 1 and 5. It was therefore concluded that
replacing wheat offal with Raxozyme G-supplemented maize offal at 75% level in finisher broiler
chickens improves dressing percentage without compromising haematological status.
Key words: Broiler, maize offal, Rozaxyme G®, Carcass, Haematology

INTRODUCTION
Broiler chicken meat constitutes a sizeable source of animal protein in the diets of many families in
Nigeria. However, successful production of these birds requires adequate feeding which is estimated
to stand at about 60 -80% of the total cost of production (Ojewola et al., 2005). In order to reduce this
cost so as improve farmers‘ profit margin and make available poultry meat at more affordable price,
cheaper, readily available and less competitive, alternative feed ingredients need to be explored. The
 use of maize offal with or without enzyme supplementation to replace dietary maize or wheat offal
has been studied (Nnenna et al., 2006; Doma, 2020). Exogenous enzyme supplementation of animal
feeds has been practiced with success since the late 80‘s (Brufau et al., 2006). The inclusion of feed
ingredients containing anti-nutritional factors may adversely affect poultry performance. However,
supplementation with synthetic enzymes can enhance the nutritional value of these ingredients.
Antinutritional factors, especially non-starch polysaccharides, have the ability to bind large quantities
of water and hence increase fluid viscosity. This constitutes some challenges in nutrients digestion
(Giraldo et al., 2008). However, studies have shown that supplementation with enzymes can mitigate
this problem. Apart from improving nutrient digestibility and utilization, enzyme supplementation
also helps in lowering nutrient excretion, particularly excess nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and copper
(Abd El-Hack et al., 2017; Alagawany et al., 2017) which pollutes the soil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was carried out at the Poultry Unit, Teaching and Research Farm, Abubakar Tafawa
Balewa University, Bauchi, located within the southern guinea savannah on latitude 10.31 N and
longitude 9.84 E. The area has a mean annual rainfall of 1009 mm. Maize offal, Raxozyme G and
other feed ingredients were purchased in Bauchi. Five broiler finisher diets were formulated to contain
0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% maize offal fortified with 10g/kg Raxozyme G®. The diets were designated as
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. ingredients percentage composition and calculated analysis of the diets
are presented in Table 1. Three hundred (300) finisher broilers weighing between 922.27 and

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

1010.16g were randomly allotted to five diets in a replicate of three, containing twenty birds each.
Feed and water were served ad libitum and the study lasted for 3 weeks. At the end of the study, thirty
birds (2 per replicated) were selected for carcass and blood analysis. Blood (5 ml per/bird) for
haematological assay was drawn from the left wing web of each bird and collected in labelled tubes
containing EDTA. Thereafter, the birds were weighed and slaughtered. Carcass measurements were
taken using a 10 kg- weighing scale, while a sensitive electronic balance was used for organ weights,
which were later expressed as percentage of live weight. Data generated was subjected to analysis of
variance (ANOVA) using the SPSS software version 25, and where significant differences were
observed, the Duncan‘s post hoc option (Duncan, 1955) was used to separate them.

Table 1: Ingredients Percentage Composition (%) and Calculated Analysis of Dietary Levels of Maize
Offal Supplemented with Raxozyme® Finisher Broilers
Diets
Ingredient 1 2 3 4 5 Maize 51.96 51.96 51.96 51.96 51.96 Full-fat soya bean 23.54 23.54 23.54
23.54 23.54 Wheat offal 15.00 11.25 7.50 3.75 0.00 Maize offal 0.00 3.75 7.50 11.25 15.00 Fish
meal 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Bone meal 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Limestone 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
1.00 Salt (NaCl) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Premix* (Finisher) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Methionine
0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Lysine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
100.00 Calculated analysis (%)
Metabolizable energy (Kcal/kg) 3012.59 3015.21 3017.83 3019.46 3021.09 Crude protein 20.01
19.86 19.71 19.56 19.41 Crude fibre 3.61 3.74 3.87 4.00 4.13
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The carcass and organ characteristics of broiler chickens fed dietary levels of enzyme-supplemented
maize offal are presented in Table 2. Except for dressing percentage, no carcass parameter was
significantly (P<0.05) affected. Live weight, ranged from 1793.92 g (diet 4) to 1844.16 g (diet 1),
plucked weight, 1665.61 g (diet 4) to 1714.04 g (diet 1), eviscerated weight, from 1473.32 g (diet 2)
to 1513.34 g (diet 1) and carcass weight, from 1277.08 g (diet 1) to 1329.93 g (diet 4). However, birds
fed diet 4 (74.08%) dressed higher (P<0.05) and compared favourably with those on diets 2 (71.43%),
3 (72.55%) and 5 (71.28%) while those on diet 1 (69.31%) dressed lower. Relative weight of organs
expressed as percentage of live weight showed no significant influence (P>0.05) of diet for kidney
and gizzard weights. However, weights of spleen, abdominal fat, liver and pancreas were significantly
(P<0.05) affected. Spleen weight was higher on diet 3 (0.20%) which was similar to diets 1 (0.17%), 2
(0.14%) and 3 (0.18%) while diet 5 (0.12%) was lowest (P<0.05). Abdominal fat weight was also
higher (P<0.05) on diets 2 (2.46%), 4 (2.48%) and 5 (2.38%) but did not differ from diet 3 (2.10%)
while birds on diet 1 (1.47%) had a lower (P>0.05) value which was similar to diet 3. Liver weight
was higher (P<0.05) on diet 5 (1.67%) and lower on diet 3 (1.37%). However, diets 1(1.45%), 2
(1.63%) and 4 (1.50%) did not differ from 3 and 5. The findings of this study agree with Hana et al.
(2010) using multi-enzyme feed additive in broiler chicken rations. In a recent study, Oyeagu et al.
(2019) reported a significantly (P<0.05) improved carcass yield when broiler chickens were fed diets
 containing brewers‘ dried grains fortified with synthetic enzyme. The significantly (P<0.05) higher
dressing percentage obtained in this study for birds fed enzyme-supplemented maize offal based diets

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

at 75% level of substitution for wheat offal, is in agreement with a previous report by Aguihe et al.,
(2016) using Maxigrain® in cassava peel based diets.

Haematological indices of broiler chickens fed diets containing enzyme-supplemented maize offal are
presented in Table 3. Packed Cell Volume was higher (P<0.05) on diet 1 (26.98 %) which was similar
to diet 5 (25.16%) and lower (P>0.05) on other diets. White Blood Cell count was not significantly
(P>0.05) affected and varied between 6.74 to 7.10 x 103µl on diets 5 and 3 respectively. Red Blood
Cell count was also not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by dietary treatment. Values which ranged
from 5.52 to 6.40 x 106µl were obtained on diets 1 and 4 respectively. Haemoglobin concentration
(Hb), however, differed significantly (P<0.05) among diets. Birds fed diet 1 (8.88 g/dl) had higher Hb
which was comparable with those on diet 5 (7.95 g/dl), while values for those on diets 2 (7.12g/dl), 3
(7.69 g/dl) and 4 (7.53 g/dl) were the same and comparable with those on diet 5. Similarly, a
significant influence (P<0.05) of diet was found on Mean Corpuscular Volume. The trend was similar
to that of PCV and Hb. Diet 1 (49.17 fl) had a higher (P<0.05) MCV value which did not differ from
diet 5 (42.46 fl), while diets 2 (35.95 fl), 3 (38.01 fl) and 4 (36.63 fl) were lower (P<0.05) and similar
to diet 5. This result is in conflict with the report of Olowu et al. (2012) where no significant (P>0.05)
differences among treatments were observed when broiler chickens were fed roxazyme G
supplemented maize offal based diets. The authors also reported a lower range for RBC (1.87 – 1.93 x
106/µl) than 5.22 – 6.40 x 106/µl obtained in the present study. This, according to (Nanbol et al.,
2016) could be informed by the difference in climate of the study locations.

Table 2: Carcass and Organs Characteristics of Finisher Broilers Fed Dietary Levels of
Enzyme- Supplemented Maize Offal
Diets
Parameters 1 2 3 4 5 SEM Live weight (g) 1844.16 1821.55 1809.72 1793.92 1820.64 18.43NS
Plucked weight (g) 1714.04 1699.38 1683.46 1665.61 1686.49 16.58 NS Eviscerated weight (g)
1513.34 1473.32 1497.89 1496.67 1513.65 16.91 NS Carcass weight (g) 1277.08 1301.04 1311.46
1329.93 1297.75 17.76 NS
Dressing (%) 69.31b71.43ab 72.55ab 74.08a71.28ab 1.40* Organ weights expressed as
percentage of live weight
Gizzard weight 3.01 3.07 2.84 3.33 3.12 0.17 NS Abdominal fat weight 1.47b2.46a2.10ab
2.48a2.38a0.21* Kidney weight 0.22 0.30 0.26 0.30 0.25 0.03NS Spleen weight 0.17ab 0.14 ab
0.20a0.18 ab 0.12b0.02* Liver weight 1.45ab 1.63ab 1.37b1.50ab 1.67a0.09*
abc
Means bearing different superscripts within the same row differ; * = (P<0.05); NS= Not significant;
SEM = Standard Error of Means

Table 3: Haematological Indices of Finisher Broilers Fed Graded Levels of Enzyme-

Supplemented Maize Offal
Diets
Parameters 1 2 3 4 5 SEM Packed Cell Volume (%) 26.98a22.28b23.15b23.96b25.16ab 0.98* White
Blood Cell (x(103/µl) 6.84 6.78 7.10 6.85 6.74 0.71NS Red Blood Cell (x(106/µl) 5.52 6.29 6.25 6.40
5.94 0.55NS Haemoglobin (g/dl) 8.88a 7.12b 7.69b7.53b7.95ab 0.32* Mean Corpuscular Volume (fl)
49.17a35.95b38.01b36.63b42.46ab 3.26*
NS= Not significant, SEM= Standard Error of the Mean, abMeans bearing different superscripts within
the same row differ; * = (P<0.05),

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that Razoxyme-G-supplemented maize offal can
completely replace wheat offal in broiler finisher diets without reduction in carcass yield and
deleterious effect on haematological indices. The use of maize offal supplemented with Raxozyme G
 at 10g/kg as replacement for wheat offal in broiler finisher diets is therefore recommended.

REFERENCES
Abd El-Hack, M. E., Chaudhry, M. T., Mahrose, K. M., Noreldin, A., Eman, M, and Alagawany, M.
(2017). The efficacy of using exogenous enzymes cocktail on production, egg quality, egg
nutrients and blood metabolites of laying hens fed distiller‘s dried grains with solubles. Journal
of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition., doi: 10.1111/jpn.12825.
Aguihe, P. C., Kehinde, A. S., Ilaboya, I. I. and Ogialekhe, P. (2016). Effect of dietary enzyme
(Maxigrain®) supplementation on carcass and organ characteristics of broiler finisher chickens
fed cassava peel meal based diets. International Journal of research in agriculture and
Forestry, 3(6); 1 – 6.
Alagawany, M., Attia, A. I., Ibrahim, Z. A., Mahmoud, R. A. and El-Sayed, S. A. (2017). The
effectiveness of dietary sunflower meal and exogenous enzyme on growth, digestive enzymes,
carcass traits and blood chemistry of broilers. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.
24: 12319 – 12327.
Brufau, J., Francesch , M. and Perez-Vendrell, A. M. (2006). The use of enzymes to improve cereal
diets for animal feeding. Journal of Science Food and Agriculture. 86: 1705 – 1713 Doma, U. D.
(2020). Growth performance, carcass characteristics and financial benefit of broiler chickens fed
dietary levels of maize milling waste as replacement for maize. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science
and Technology, 3 (2): 1 -10
Duncan, D.B. (1955). Multiple Range and Multiple F. Test. Biometrics.11: 1-42. Giraldo, L.A.,
Tejido, M. L., Ranilla, M. J., Ramos, S. and Carro, M. D. (2008). Influence of direct fed fibrolytic
enzymes on diets digestibility and ruminal activity in sheep fed grass hay based diets. Journal of
Animal Science. 86: 1617 – 1623
Hana, A. H. Z., Mohammad, A. R. J. and Majdi, A. A. I, (2010). The influence of supplemental multi
enzyme feed additive on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality traits of broiler
chickens. International Journal of poultry Science, 9: 126 – 133.
Nanbol, D.L., Duru, B.N., Nanbol, H.D., Abiliu, C.A., Anueyegu, D.M., Kumbish, P.R. et al. (2016).
Establishment of reference values for some biochemical and haematological parameters for
broilers and layers in Plateau State Nigeria. Vom Journal of Veterinary Science. 11, 30-35.
Nnenna, O. P., Emeka, N. P. and Okpoko, C. L. (2006). Performance of broiler chicks (Gallus
domesticus) fed maize offal-based diets supplemented with Roxazyme G Enzyme. International
Journal of Poultry Science 5(7): 607 – 610.
Ojewola, G. S., Okoye, F. C. and Ukoha, O. A. (2005). Comparative utilization of three animal
protein sources by broiler chickens. International Journal of Poultry Science. 4970:462 – 467. Olowu,
O. P. A., Agbede, J. O., Aro, S. O. and Aletor, V. A. (2012). Effect of roxazyme-G on growth indices
and haematological variables of broilers fed maize offal-based diets. International Journal of
Biological and Chemical Sciences, 6(1):307 – 316.
Oyeagu, C. E., Ugwuanyi, C. L., Onwujiariri, E., Osita, C. O., Akuru, E. A., Ani, O. A. et al. (2019).
Blood bio-makers, growth traits, carcass characteristics and income over feed cost of broiler
birds fed enzyme fortified dried brewers‘ grain. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 18(9):834 - 844

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING

LEVELS OF BOILED MORINGA (Moringa oleifera) SEED MEAL
1
Rabiu, M., 2Muhammad, U.R., 2Idris, D.Y., 2Alimi, H.M and 2Madu, A.
1
Department of Animal Science, Ahmad Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria 2Department
of Animal Health and Production Technology, Federal College of Agricultural Produce
Technology, Kano State, Nigeria
Corresponding author: [email protected]; +2348033002271
 ABSTRACT
A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of broiler chickens fed boiled
Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) diets. Three hundred (300) ―Ross‖ unsexed day old broiler
chicks with an average initial live weight of 38g were fed diets containing graded levels of MOSM.
Five experimental diets (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were formulated and the inclusion levels of MOSM in
the diets were 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%, respectively. The treatments were replicated three times with
twenty birds per replicate and a total of sixty birds per treatment in a completely randomized design.
Parameters measured were initial weight, final weight, total weight gain, average daily weight gain,
total feed intake and daily feed intake. Feed conversion ratio, feed cost of bird per kilogram and
weight gain were computed. The mortality rate was recorded as they occurred. Data generated were
subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model procedure of Statistical
Analysis Systems and separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test Procedure. The result showed
final body weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, total feed intake, average daily feed intake, feed
conversion ratio and feed cost/kg gain were significantly (P<0.05) affected across the dietary
treatments while mortality recorded were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Birds fed 7.5% MOSM
had significantly (P<0.05) higher final weight (714.83g), weight gain (676.51g) and daily weight gain
compared to other treatment groups. The finisher phase of the study revealed that MOSM in the diets
of broiler chicken significantly (P<0.05) enhanced live weight, weight gain and daily weight gain
respectively. The results from this study suggested that the inclusion of 7.5% MOSM in the diet of
broiler chickens improved growth performance at finisher phases.
Key words: Broiler, Chickens, Moringa, Seed meal, Growth.

INTRODUCTION
The poultry industry in Nigeria have been plagued by a variety of problems which includes the search
for feed ingredients for livestock which will not compete with man for utilization (Siyanbola and
Amao, 2016). The rapid growth of human and livestock populations create increasing demands for
food and nutrition security in the least developed countries, thus alternative feed resources must be
identified and evaluated (Olugbemi et al., 2010). The most logical step to take in solving the shortage
and dwindling raw material supply is to direct efforts towards utilizing plant by-products and wastes
for feeding poultry birds (Banjo, 2012). The use of unconventional feedstuff in animal feeds had been
recommended (Adeola and Olukosi, 2008).
There is need to determine the extent to which Moringa oleifera seed meal can be utilized by broiler
chickens for improved performance. This study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance of
broiler chickens fed diets containing levels of boiled Moringa oleifera seed meal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was carried out in the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of
Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The farm is located in the Northern Guinea
Savannah zone of Nigeria, latitude 110 9‘ 14‘‘ N and longitude 7038‘ 45‘‘ E and at an altitude of
610mm above sea level (Ovimaps, 2015).
Source and Processing of Moringa seeds
Moringa seeds used for this research were sourced at Giwa market, Zaria, Kaduna State. The dry
Moringa seeds were sorted, remove from the pods and cleaned. The quantity of seeds used were
weighed and then poured into a pot containing boiled water at 100oC. The sample was allowed to boil

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

for about 60 minutes, after which the water was drained out and the sample was spread in aluminium
metal trays to sun dry for 3 days (Edegbo, 2009).
Design and Management of Birds
A total of three Hundred (300) day old Ross strain of broiler chicks were purchased from Agrited
Farm Limited, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The chicks were randomly distributed into five treatment
groups of 60 chicks each with three replicates of 20 chicks per pen in a completely randomized design
(CRD). Five experimental diets (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were formulated and the inclusion levels of
Moringa seed meal in the diets were 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%, respectively. The birds were housed in
a deep litter system and subjected to the same experimental and management conditions. Feed and
water were given ad libitum throughout the period of the experiment.
Data Collection and Analysis
The chicks were weighed on arrival and weekly thereafter with the following parameters measured.
Initial weight, final weight, total weight gain, average daily weight gain, total feed intake, daily feed
intake. Feed conversion ratio, feed cost of bird per kilogram and weight gain were computed. The
mortality rate was recorded as they occurred. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using
 One-way ANOVA using the General Linear Model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System
(SAS, 2003). Significant differences among the means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range
Test Procedure (Duncan. 1955).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The result of the performance of broiler finisher chickens fed diets containing levels of Moringa seed
meal (MOSM) is shown in Table 2. The study result revealed MOSM in the diets significantly
(P<0.05) enhanced live weight, weight gain and daily weight gain of broiler chickens. Birds on 7.5%
MOSM had the highest (P<0.05) final body weight (2509.87g), weight gain (1896.53g) and average
daily weight gain (67.07g) when compared with the other treatment groups. The gain in body weight
observed in this study may be attributed to the decrease in anti-nutritional factor of the boiled MOSM
which enhanced palatability and easy digestion of the diet offered. The present result was not similar
to those observed by Du et al. (2007) and Ferreira et al. (2008) who reported no significant effect of
MOSM supplementation at 2.5%, 5% or 7.5% in the diets of broiler chickens on growth rate. The
results of total feed intake (3309.87g), daily fee intake and feed cost/kg gain (420.23/kg) showed that
birds on 10.0% MOSM diets had higher (P<0.05) values across dietary treatment groups. This agrees
with the report of Ferreira et al. (2008) who revealed that higher levels of MOSM increased feed
consumption by the broiler chickens. The numerical increase observed in the values of feed intake and
feed cost/kg gain was due to increase in MOSM inclusion across treatments and as such feed cost is
affected. The feed conversion ratio of the birds was significantly (P<0.05) improved in all the
treatments and the inclusion of 7.5% MOSM in the diet showed better a feed conversion ratio across
dietary groups.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

From the results of the feeding trial conducted, it can be concluded that boiled MOSM inclusion at
7.50% in the diet of broiler chickens improved growth performance by (1896.53g) at the finisher
phase. However, it is recommended that more work should be conducted with other species of poultry
birds and other classes of monogastric and ruminant animals as well.

REFERENCES
Abbas, T.E. and Ahmed, M. E. (2012). Use of Moringa oleifera seeds in broilers diet and its effects
on the performance and carcass characteristics. International Journal of Applied Poultry
Resources, 1: 1 -14.
Adeola, O. and Olukosi, O. A. (2008). Opportunities and challenges in the use of alternative
feedstuffs in poultry production. Nigeria Poultry Science Journal, 5 (4), 147- 155 Ahaotu, E.O.,
Omeje, S.I. and Ayo - Enwerem, C. M. (2013). Evaluation of low and high cyanide cassava peels on
the performance, nutrient digestibility and serum metabolites of growing Pigs. International Journal
of Tropical Agriculture.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Du, P.L., Lin, P. H., Yang, R.Y., Fan, Y.K. and Hsu, J.C. (2007). Effects of dietary supplementation
of Moringa oleifera on growth performance, blood characteristics and immune response in
broilers. Journal of the Chinese Society of Animal Science, 36 (3): 135-146
Duncan, D. B. (1955). Duncan Multiple Range Test, Biometrics. 11: 1-14.
Edegbo, M. (2009). Evaluation of the nutritive value of differently processed Moringa oleifera leaves
and seeds in weaner rabbit diets. Unpublished Mse. Thesis submitted to the department of
Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Ferreira, P.M.P. Farias, D.F., Oliveira, J.T.A. and Carvalho, A.F.U. (2008). Moringa oleifera:
bioactive compounds and nutritional potential. Reviews of Nutrition Campinas, 21(4): 431-437.
Kocher, A., Choct, M., Ross, G., Broz, J. and Chung. T.K. (2003). Effects of enzyme combinations on
apparent metabolizable energy of corn-soybean meal-based diets in broilers. Journal of
Applied Poultry Resources, 12:275-283.
Molepo, L. S. (2014). Effect of Moringa seed meal supplementation on productivity and carcass
characteristics of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Thesis M.Sc. Agri. (Anim. Prod.) University of
Limpopo.
Ochi, E. B., Elbushra, M. E., Fatur, M., Abubakr, O. and Ismail, H. A. (2015). Effect of Moringa
(Moringa oleifera Lam) seeds on the performance and carcass characteristics of Broiler
chickens. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, Vol.5, No.8.
Olugbemi, T.S., Mutayoba, S.K. and Lekule, F.P. (2010). Effect of Moringa oleifera inclusion in
cassava based diets fed to broiler chickens. International Journal of Poultry Science, 9
 (4):363-367.
Ovimaps, (2015). Ovi location map; Ovi earth imagery date.
SAS, (2003). Statistical Analysis Systems Users Guide, version 9.0 edition SAS Institute Inc., Cary,
NC. USA.
Siyanbola, M. F. and Amao, E. A. (2016). Haematological and biochemical changes in cockerels fed
rations containing graded levels of wild sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia Hemls. Grey) leaf
meal. Sky Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. 5(5). Pp. 091 - 096.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 1: Experimental Diets for Broiler Finisher with Moringa Seed Meal (MOSM) Ingredients (%)
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5

Maize 59.35 58.35 57.35 56.05 55.05 MOSM 0.00 2.5 5.00 7.50 10.00 Groundnut cake 16.00 14.50 13.00
11.80 10.30 Soya bean meal 15.50 15.50 15.50 15.50 15.50 Maize offal 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
Salt 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Bone meal 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 Limestone 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Lysine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Methionine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 *Vitamin-mineral premix 0.25 0.25
0.25 0.25 0.25

Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Calculated Analysis
Energy (ME Kcal/kg) 2942.00 2961.00 2980.00 2997.00 3016.00 Crude Protein (%) 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00
20.00 Crude Fiber (%) 3.74 4.01 4.28 4.55 4.82 Ether Extract (%) 5.65 5.91 6.27 6.64 6.99 Lysine (%) 1.05
1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 Methionine (%) 0.52 0.52 0.53 0.53 0.54 Calcium (%) 1.20 1.21 1.23 1.25 1.26
Available-P (%) 0.80 0.81 0.82 0.82 0.83 Feed cost/kg (₦/kg) 141.60 163.40 185.30 207.00 228.80 *Bio-mix
broiler starter premix per 2.5kg of diet: Vit A, 10,000 I.U; Vit D3, 2,000 I.U; Vit E, 23,000mg; Vit K3, 2000mg; Vit B1,(thiamine) 1,800; Vit
B2(riboflavin), 5,500mg; Niacin, 27,500; Panthonenic acid, 7,500; Vit B6(pyridoxine),3000mg; Vit B 12, 15.00; Folic acid, 750.00mg; Biotin H2,
60.00mg; Cholin Chloride, 300,000mg; Cobalt, 200mg; Copper,3000mg; Iodine, 3,000mg; Iron, 1,000mg; Manganese, 40,000.00mg; Selenium,
40,000mg; Zinc, 200mg; Antioxidant,1,250mg . MOSM: Moringa Seed Meal, ME: Metabolisable Energy

Table 2: Growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of boiled
Moringa seed meal (5-8 weeks)
Parameters T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 SEM
 Initial wt. (g/bird) 614.67 616.00 616.00 613.33 620.67 6.02 Final wt. (g/bird)
2097.97c2242.90b2325.63b2509.87a2427.43ab 46.93 Total wt. gain (g/bird)
1483.30c1626.90b1709.63b1896.53a1806.77ab 48.22
Avg. daily wt. gain (g/bird 52.97c58.10b61.07b67.07a64.53ab 1.72 Total feed intake (g/bird)
2817.13c2936.80c3104.23b3240.30ab 3309.87a48.84 Daily feed intake (g/bird)
100.57 104.90 110.87 115.73 118.20 1.67 Feed conversion ratio 1.90b1.81ab 1.81ab 1.71a1.84ab 0.04 Feed
c c b ab a

cost/kg gain (₦/kg) 269.5a295.75b336.01c353.28c420.23d6.72 Mortality (%) 6.67 6.67 0.00 10.00 0.00
3.34 abc= Means with different superscripts in the same row are significantly different P< 0.05, Ave= Average, wt=
weight, SEM= Standard Error of Mean

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

INFLUENCE OF GRADED LEVELS OF ETANDA AFRICANA SEED MEAL ON

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Ajibade, A. J^, *Makinde, O.J+> Adedeji, A.S^, Adetona, A^, Sulyman A^, Opoola, E#, Sikiru,
A. B< and Okunade, S. A^
^ Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Nigeria
+ Department of Animal Science, Federal University, Gashua, Nigeria
# Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
<Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. >Universite
de Kisangani, Faculte des Sciences, Department des Sciences Biotechnoloques
Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Phytopathologie B.P. 2012, R.D. Congo.
*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of processed Etanda africana seed
meal (EASM) on growth performance of broiler chickens. Five experimental diets were formulated to
meet nutrient requirement standards of broilers. Diet 1 (0 % EASM) served as the control while diets
2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 5, 10, 15 and 20 % EASM respectively. A total of one hundred and fifty (150)
day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into five treatment groups with three replicates of ten
birds each. Each group was assigned to the five experimental diets in completely randomized design
(CRD). Throughout the experimental period, feed and water were provided ad libitum for all
treatment groups. The results of growth performance revealed that average body weight gain, average
feed intake and FCR were not statistically (P>0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. It was concluded
that up to 20 % EASM could be included in the diets of broiler chickens without adverse effect on
growth performance of the birds.
Keywords: Etanda africana, processing, boiling, roasting, broilers, performance

INTRODUCTION
Entada africana belongs to the family Fabaceae which is popularly known as legumes and it is the
third largest order of seed-plants containing about 600 genera with 12,000 species (Sharma and
Kumar, 2013). It is a small tree which is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions (Nielsen,
1992). In Nigeria, it is commonly known as ―Tawatsa‖ in Hausa Language and ―Ogurobe‖ in
Yoruba (Burkill, 1995). It can be used as food, medicine and fibre. Nutritionally, the seed of Entada
africana was reported to contain 39.81 % crude protein, 80.00 % dry matter, 15.50 % crude fibre,
17.50 % ether extract, 4.88 kcal/kg metabolizable energy, 39.00 % acid detergent fibre and 53.00 %
neutral detergent fibre (Belewu et al., 2008). The authors further reported the mineral contents of the
seeds to be 7.66 % calcium, 0.20 % sodium, 45.42 % magnesium, 44.92 % potassium and 0.17 %
iron. Similarly, Olanrewaju and Ahmed (2014) reported that Entada africana leaves contain 4.20 %
moisture content, 13.30 % ash, 10 %crude lipid, 18.56 % crude fibre, 14.60 % crude protein and 38.44
% carbohydrate. Previous study on the potential of E. africana in livestock feed revealed that the seed
meal can replace soybean meal in the diet of growing West African Dwarf goats without impairing
performance (Belewu et al., 2007). There is however, dearth of information on its use in poultry
nutrition. This present study evaluated the influence of graded levels of processed Etanda africana
 seed meal on growth performance of broiler chickens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experimental was conducted at the Poultry unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal
College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State previously described by Okunade et al.
(2015). About 600 g of Etanda africana seeds were obtained from the College Farm. The seeds were
handpicked so as to eliminate all unwanted particles. The seeds were then air-dried for 48 hr at 25oC
and divided into 2 lots; (i) raw and (ii) boiled and roasted. About 300 g seeds were boiled at 100oC at
a seed: water ratio of 1: 10 w/v. for 10 min in an aluminium pot on a Gallenkamp thermostat hot plate
(Makinde et al., 2019). The water was drained and the boiled seeds were air-dried at 25oC for 72 hr.
The boiled seeds were further roasted in an open pan under the controlled temperature at 65oC for 15

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

minutes. The seeds were continuously stirred until the seeds cracked and their endosperm turned
brown with toasty sweet odour. All the seed samples (raw and processed) were ground to pass through
a 2 mm sieve and taken to the laboratory for nutrient and anti-nutrient analysis.
Experimental Design and Management of Birds
One hundred and fifty day old unsexed broiler chicks were purchased from a reputable hatchery in
Ibadan, Nigeria. The birds were raised on deep litter pen with wood shaving as litter material. They
were fed on a common diet for the first (1) week of the study after which they were randomly
allocated into five experimental treatments of thirty birds per treatment, while each treatment was
replicated three times (10birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and
water were supplied ad-libitum. Management practices and vaccination programme were followed
strictly. Data were collected on average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed
conversion ratio.
Experimental diets
Five experimental diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirement standards of broilers (NRC,
1994). Diet 1 (0 % EASM) served as the control while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 5, 10, 15 and 20
% EASM respectively. The gross composition of the experimental diets is presented on Table 1. Data
Analysis
Data generated were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model of
statistical analysis system, Version 9.3 (SAS, 2015). Significance was accepted at P < 0.05.

Table 1: Dietary composition of experimental starter and finisher diets

Starter Finisher
Ingredients T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 Maize 56.00 53.00 51.00 50.00 48.50 59.50 58.50 54.50 51.00 48.50 Wheat
offal 6.50 6.50 6.50 6.50 6.50 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 GNC 27.00 25.00 22.00 16.00 15.00 22.00 18.00 17.00 15.50 13.00
*EASM 0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 Fish meal 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50
2.50 Blood meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 Bone meal 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
3.00 Oyster shell 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
0.25 Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Methionine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Lysine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Calculated
nutrients
CP (%) 22.95 22.90 22.87 22.80 22.76 20.86 20.75 20.71 20.64 20.58
Met. Energy (Kcal/kg) 2816 2811 2807 2805 2802 3024 3019 3015 3012 3005

CF (%) 3.56 3.62 3.74 3.75 3.77 3.95 3.99 4.05 4.09 4.11 Lysine (%) 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20
Methionine (%) 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48
*Composition of vitamin premix per kg is as follows: Vitamin A, 8000 iu; Vitamin D3, 1600 iu;
Vitamin E 5 iu, Vitamin K 0.200 mg; Vitamins B, Thiamine B1 0.5mg; Riboflavin B2 4mg; Pyridoxine
B6 0.015 mg; Niacin 0.015mg; B12 0.01mg; Pantothenic acid 0.5mg; folic acid 0.5mg and Biotin 0.020
mg; Chlorine chloride 0.02 mg; Anti-oxidant 0.125g and Minerals (Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, I, Si, Co)
0.156g.*EASM=Etanda africana seed meal. CP=Crude protein. CF=Crude fibre

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results of the effect of graded levels of Etanda africana seed meal on growth performance of
broiler chickens (1-7 weeks), is presented in figure 1. The results show that body weight gain, average
feed intake and FCR were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. The
observations on feed intake, body weight gain and FCR of broiler chickens in this study showed that
inclusion of EASM up to 20% in broilers diet had no adverse effect on growth performance of birds.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

The overall growth performance of birds fed EASM diets were similar to those fed the control diet.
The similarities observed in most of the performance evaluation traits implied that there was no intake
limitation when EASM increased in the diets from 0 to 20% and there was acceptability and
palatability as well as better utilization of the feed by the birds.

ADWG, g/b/d ADFI, g/b/d FCR

60
100 80 43.68 40.01 40.42 44.36
S

41.37 40
93.59 93.2
R

20
91.37 90.47 94.33 2.26 2.09 2.33 2.24 2.13 0
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Graded levels of
E

TE
processed Entanda africana seed meal
M

AR

AP

Figure 1: Growth performance of broilers fed processed Entanda africana seed meal (1-7 weeks)

This observation could be attributed to the reduction of anti-nutritional factors in the processed seed
and the nutrient balance of the experimental diets at both the starter and finisher phases (Ari et al.,
2012). Our result confirms the assertion of Alagbaoso et al. (2015); Makinde et al. (2019) that heat
treatment of seed is effective in reducing anti-nutritional factors inherent in most legumes. Also,
Kanyinji and Sichangwa (2014) observed that there was no significant difference in the performance
parameters (feed intake, body weight gain and FCR) of broilers fed finishing diets with processed
cotton seed meal as partial replacement for soybean meal. Our results however differs from the report
of Wafar (2013), who observed a significant difference in feed intake, body weight gain and FCR of
broilers when toasted sorrel seed (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) meal as substitute for soybean meal increased
to 20% in broilers diets. This variation may be attributed to the differences in the initial live weights,
breed of broilers and nutrient content of seed and concentrates used for the study.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

It was concluded that up to 20 % EASM could be included in the diets of broiler chickens without
adverse effect on growth performance of the birds. Further researches should be conducted to
ascertain the optimum inclusion level of EASM in broilers diet.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledge Haruna KL, Kamarudeen AT, Ishola AO, Sodiq, I and Ibrahim
AA for their assistance in the collection of data pertaining to this study.

REFERENCES
Alagbaoso, S.O., Nwosu, J. N., Njoku, N.E., Umelo, M.C., Eluchie, C. and Agunwa, I. M. (2015).
Effect of Processing on the Nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of Canavalia
Plagiosperma Piper Seeds. European Journal of Food Science and Technology. 3(3):45-69.
Ari MM, Ayanwale BA, Adama TZ, Olatunji EA. (2012). Effects of Different Fermentation Methods
on the Proximate Composition, Amino Acid Profile and Some Antinutritional Factors (ANFs)
In Soyabeans (Glycine Max) Fermentation. Technology and Bioengineering, 2:6-13.
Belewu, M. A., Fagbemi, T., Olatunde, B.J. and Otonekwu, I. P. (2007). Replacement value of
Etanda africana seed meal for soybean meal in diet of growing West African dwarf goats.
African Journal of Agricultural Research. 2 (10):555-557.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Belewu, MA, Fagbemi, T., Dosumu, O.O., Adeniyi, MO. (2008). Physico-chemical and anti
nutritional properties of lesser-known tree and leguminous seeds. International Journal of
Agricultural Research, 3(3):237-242.
Burkill, M.H. 1995. The Useful Plants of Tropical Africa, Families J–L, vol. 3. Royal Botanic
Gardens Kew, pp. 229–230.
Kanyinji F. and Sichangwa M. (2014). Performance of Broilers Fed Finishing Diets with Fermented
Cotton Seed Meal as Partial Replacement for Soybean Meal. Journal of Animal Production
 Advances, 4(7): 931-938.
Makinde OJ, Aremu A, Alabi OJ, Jiya EZ and SO Ajide (2019). Effects of Different Processing
Methods on Nutrient and Anti-Nutrient Compositions of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum
albidum) Kernels. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development,
19(4):14848-14862.
Nielsen, I.C. 1992. Legumineuses-Mimosoidees. Flore du Cambodge du Laos et du Vietnam, Fasc.
Mus. Natl d‘Histoire Naturalle, Paris 11 (1), 1–226.
Okunade, S.A., Isah, O.A., Aderinboye, R.Y. and Olafadehan, O.A., (2015). Effect of browse plant
foliage supplementation on the performance of buckling goats fed threshed sorghum top basal
diet, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 17:529-538.
SAS (2015). Statistical Analysis System Institute. User‘s guide. Version 9.3, SAS
Institute Inc. Cary, N. C.
Sharma, M., Kumar, A., 2013. Leguminosae (Fabaceae) in tribal medicines. Journal of
Pharmacognosis and Phytochemistry. 2 (1):276–283.
Wafar J. R (2013). Effects of Replacing Toasted Sorrel Seed (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) Meal for Soybean
Meal in Broiler Finisher Diet. Journal of Animal Production Advances, 3(8):247- 253. DOI:
10.5455/japa.20130806060039.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

EFFECT OF FEEDING OVEN-DRIED Canarium schweinfurthii SEED MEAL ON CARCASS

CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKEN
*
Adelowo, O.V1., Christy Agbi2, Aka-Tanimo, H.A1., Banjo, A.A2
1
Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology,
N.V.R.I., Vom, Plateau State
2
Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal College of Animal Health and Production
Technology, N.V.R.I., Vom, Plateau State
*
Corresponding author: [email protected] (08030426283)

ABSTRACT
 A feeding trial of six weeks duration was conducted to determine the performance and carcass
characteristics of broiler chickens fed with oven dried Canarium schweinfurthii seed meal (ODCSM).
Four dietary treatments containing 0% (control), 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% of oven dried Canarium seed
meal (ODCSM) respectively. One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicks were randomly allotted to
four experimental diet, at thirty (30) per treatment in a completely randomised design. The parameters
measured were live weight, bled weight, carcass weight, breast weight, thigh weight, drumstick
weight, wings weight, neck weight, back weight, spleen weight, gizzard weight, liver weight, heart
weight, lungs weight, abdominal fat weight. The results shows no significant difference in all the
parameters measured across the treatments. Therefore, Oven dried Canarium schweinfurthii seed meal
can be included in the diets of broilers chickens up up to 7.5%.
Key word: Oven dried, Canarium schweinfurthii, Carcass characteristics, Broiler chickens

INTRODUCTION
Poultry meat is a rich source of high quality protein, minerals and vitamins (Adelowo et al., 2019a).
Due to economic importance attached to chicken and their products gives rise to the need for food
safety which is imperative in food production worldwide (Chisoro, 2015). Poultry production,
especially broiler chickens remains one of the veritable ways of attaining sustainable and rapid
production of high quality protein to meet the increasing demand of the Nigeria teeming populace,
due to short generation interval of broiler chicken (Akinmutimi, 2004). One of the main challenges in
poultry enterprise is high cost of feed which is estimated to be about 70% of the total cost of
production (Ogundipe et al., 2003). This high cost has been attributed to the over-dependence on the
expensive conventional feed stuffs such as soybean and groundnut cake which is mainly used in
poultry feed formulation (Apata and Ojo, 2002). A high demand for these feed ingredients has
resulted in an increase in their prices and consequently, cost of poultry feeds and its products, this
calls for a serious attention with regard to the quality of chicken meat available (Chisoro2015). This
necessitates research into non-conventional feedstuffs (NCF) that are readily available, cheap and
nutritionally safe such as Canarium schweifurthii seed meal. Canarium schweifurthii seed contained
natural flavors, high fat content, pigments, moisture, nutritionally valuable minerals, vitamins and
naturally occurring antioxidants (Ayoade, et al., 2015). The seed also contains appreciable amount of
nutritionally valuable minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorous, iron,
zinc and copper. Glutamic and aspartic acids dominated the amino acid profile of Canarium
schweifurthii seed, it contained appreciable amount of essential amino acids which is more than fifty
percent of total amino acid contents (Ayoade et al., 2017, Adelowo et al., 2019a). One of the major
problems of legume utilization is the presence of anti-nutritional factors (Oke et al., 2004). Removal
of these anti-nutritive components is essential in order to improve the nutritional quality of the seeds
and to effectively utilize their full potential as feeds (Akinmutimi, 2004). Heat treatment such as
boiling, frying and drying are frequently used to improve the utilization of the nutrients in legumes by
animals (Shaahu et al., 2015). This study is therefore aimed at studying carcass characteristics of
broiler chickens fed with oven dried Canarium schweifurthii (ODCSM) seed meal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research farm of the National Veterinary
Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Nigeria. Vom is located in Jos south local government area of
plateau state. It is situated on the south east of Jos, the Plateau state capital which is located at 8045

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Easts and 90043 North with a height of about 1,285meters above sea level. Vom has a remarkable cool
climate, in December and January; the night may be extremely cold, the wet season from late April to
middle October.
Experimental Birds and their Management
In a completely randomised design a total of 120 unsexed two weeks old broiler chicks were used for
the study. The chicks were randomly alloted into four (4) dietary treatments containing 0% (control),
2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of oven dried Canarium schweifurthii seed meal, with each treatment having
three (3) replicates of ten (10) birds each. The feed was presented in mash form and water was
provided ad libitum. The birds were raised on deep litter and were subjected to standard management
and hygiene the recommended vaccines for broilers were administered accordingly. At the end of the
six weeks feeding trials, two birds from each replicate were randomly selected, fasted for (12) hours
and slaughtered by severing the throat with the aid of sharp knife. The birds were allowed to bleed for
five minutes and defeathered manually by immersing in warm water. The parameters measured were
the live weight, bled weight, carcass weight, breast weight, thigh weight, drumstick weight, wings
weight, neck weight, back weight, spleen weight, gizzard weight, liver weight, heart weight, lungs
weight, abdominal fat weight
Determination of carcass characteristics was done according to the method described by Oluyemi and
 Robert (2002). The feathers were plucked and eviscerated to determine the dressed weight and weight
of the carcass components (thighs, drumstick, breast, back, wings, and neck. The internal organs
were; heart, lung, liver, gizzard, spleen, abdominal fat) were measured. The Carcass, organs, and gut
were weighed with the aid of laboratory electronic scale (ACCULAB). The cut parts were expressed
as percentage of live weight. The dressing percentage was calculated as a ratio of dress weight to live
weight multiplied by hundred
Dressing percentage
X 100
Data Analysis
Data obtained from the experiment were analysed using the statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA)
procedure of SAS (2010) and significant level of p=0.05 was used. The treatment means were
compared using the New Duncan multiple range test option of the same software.

Table 1: Composition of the experimental diet

Ingredient 0% 2.5% 5% 7.5% Maize 59.00 57.39 57.39 55.00 Soybean cake 19.00
18.50 16.00 15.89 G. cake 19.39 19.00 19.00 19.00 ODCSM 0 2.50 5.00 7.50
Bone meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Methionine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Lysine 0.10 0.10
0.10 0.10 Premix 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.16 Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Total 100 100 100
100 Nutrient Analysis %
CP% 22.61 22.06 21.04 20.75 Energy 3023.14 2944.76 2877.04 2793.03 Calcium
0.79 0.79 0.78 0.78
Av 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.48
phosphorus

Lysine 0.09 1.07 1.00 0.99 Methionine 0.42 0.42 0.40 0.40 Fibre 3.38 3.30 3.14
3.08 G.cake-Groundnut cake, C.P-crude protein, Av-available phosphorus

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 2: Carcass characteristics of broiler finisher fed graded levels of oven dried Canarium
schweinfurthii seed meal (ODCSM)
1.78
Parameters 0% 2.5% 5% 7.5% Live weight 0.03 1.83 0.02 1.76 0.06 1.68 0.03
Carcass weight 1.68 0.03 1.70 0.10 1.65 0.05 1.55 0.05 CarcassComponent % of live
weight
Dressing % 1.25 0.05 1.30±0.01 1.18±0.03 1.13±0.03 Breast 0.35 0.05 0.28±0.02
0.38±0.02 0.29±0.02 Thigh 0.18 0.03 0.16±0.01 0.16±0.01 0.18±0.03 Drumstick 0.15
0.01 0.15±0.01 0.15±0.02 0.14±0.01 Wings 0.13 0.03 0.12±0.01 0.13±0.03 1.15±0.01
Neck 0.95 0.05 0.90±0.10 1.00±0.10 1.00±0.20 Back 0.14±0.02 0.16±0.01 0.19±0.01
0.18±0.02

Internal organs giblet

Spleen 1.50±0.50 2.00±1.10 2.00±0.10 3.00±0.10 Gizzard 31.00±2.00 40.00±1.00
43.50±4.50 42.50±1.50 Liver 33.50±0.50 33.50±1.50 33.00±6.00 34.00±4.00 Heart
9.50±1.50 9.00±1.00 9.50±1.50 11.00±2.00 Lungs 13.50±1.50 9.50±1.50 10.50±1.50
8.50±0.50 Abdominal fat 18.50±12.5 12.00±5.00 11.50±3.50 12.00±6.00

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The carcass characteristics of broiler finisher fed graded level of oven dried Canarium schweinfurthii
seed meal were not significantly different (P˃0.05) across the treatments, this result agrees with the
findings of Adelowo et al., (2019b) that broiler chickens can tolerate roasted Canarium schweinfurthii
seed meal up to 7.5% without affecting their performance. The live weight of the birds fed with 2.5%
has the highest value of 1.83±0.02kg although, there was no significant variation in the values
statistically across the treatments with the birds fed at 0% (1.78±0.03), 5% (1.76±0.06), and 7.5%
(1.68±0.03) at P˃0.05 respectively. The bled weight of the birds fed with 2.5% is 1.70±0.10 kg while
those fed at 0% (1.68±0.03), 5% (1.65±0.05) and 7.5% (1.55±0.05) respectively also at P˃0.05. The
carcass weights of the birds are 2.5% (1.30±0.01), 0% (1.25±0.05), 5% (S1.18±0.03), and 7.5%
(1.13±0.03) respectively. The breast weight of the birds are 5% (0.38±0.02), 0% (0.35±0.05), 2.5%
(0.28±0.02), and 7.5% (0.29±0.02) respectively at P˃0.05. Oven dried Canarium schweinfurthii seed
meal can be included in broiler diet at all stages because the seed contained appreciable amount of
nutritionally valuable minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorous, iron,
 zinc and copper while glutamic and aspartic acids dominated the amino acid profile, also appreciable
amount of essential amino acids which was more than fifty percent of total amino acid contents
(Aigade et, al. (2017). The parameters measured were not statistically different at P>0.05, Although
the values obtained at 2.5% inclusion levels was higher than control and 7.5% inclusion level but once
the statistical analysis shows no difference therefore any of the inclusion level can be fed to the birds.
This result agrees with the findings of Adelowo et al., (2019b) on the inclusion of roasted Canarium
seed meal to 7.5% without affecting the performance of the broiler chickens.

CONCLUSION
Based on the result obtained, where there was no significant variation across the treatments, the seed
can therefore be added to the diets of broiler chickens at any of the inclusion level without having a
detrimental effect on the carcass of the birds.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

REFERENCES
Adelowo, O. V., Oshibanjo, D. O. and Tangshwan, L. S. (2019a). Proximate Composition of Raw-
Dried and Heat Treated Canarium schweifurthii (Atili) Fruit as Non-Convention Ingredient in
Broiler Diet. Proceedings Nigeria Society for Animal Production 44th Annual Conference
Abuja 2019. Page 284-287. ISSN: 1596-5570
Adelowo, O.V., Oshibanjo, D.O., and Gowal, D.P (2019b). Effects of Feeding Roasted Canarium
schweifurthii Seed Meal on Performance of Broiler Chickens. Proceedings of the 8th ASAN NIAS Joint
Annual Meeting, Umuahia. 2019 Pg: 638-641. ISSN-9783477722
Aigade, G. W1, Amoo, I. A1, Jabar, J.M1, Ojo A.M and Maduawuchi, C.O. (2017). Proximate,
Minerals and Amino Acid Profile of (CanariumSchweinfurthii) Seed Pulp. International
Journal of Science and Technology Volume 6 No. 1
Akinmutimi, A. H. (2004). Effect of cooking periods on the nutrient composition of Mucuna utilis
seeds. Nigeria Poultry Science Journal. 2 and 3: 45-51.
Ayoade, G. W1, Amoo, I. A1, Jabar, J.M1, Ojo A.M and Maduawuchi, C.O Proximate, Minerals and
Amino Acid Profile of (CanariumSchweinfurthii) Seed Pulp. (2017). International Journal of
Science and Technology Volume 6 No. 1
Ayoade, G.W., I.A. Amoo and Gbolahan-Ayoade, E.E. (2015a). Phytochemical Composition and
AntioxidativePotential of Purple Canary (Canariumschweinfurthii) Fruit.The Pharma Innovation
Journal, 4(1): 49-52
Chisoro, P. (2015). Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture,
University of Fort Hare.
Oluyemi, J.A. and Roberts, F.A. (2002). Poultry production in the warm, wet climate. 2nd edition.
Spectrum Books Ltd. Ibadan, Nigeria.
Ogundipe, S. O., Abeke, F. O; Sekoni, A.A., Dafwang, I.I., and Adeyinka, A. I. (2003). Effect of
duration of cooking in the utilization of lab lab purpureus by pullet chicks. In; Processing of the
28th Annual conference of the Nigerian, 233-235.
Oke, U.K., Ibe, S.N. and Ogbnnaya, E.O. (2004). Effect of genotype on growth traits of rabbits. Int. J.
Agric. Rural Dev., 5: 61-68.
SAS. 2010. SAS/STAT User‘s Guide: Version 9.2. SAS Institute Inc., Cary. NC., USA; 2010. Shaahu,
D.T., Tuleun, C.D., Gbue, F.H. and Shittu, H.A. (2015). Nutritive value and economic benefit of boiled
velvet beans (Mucunautilis) in rabbits diet. Proceedings of the 38th Nigerian Society for Animal
Production-NAPRI, Ahmadu Bello University, (eds) Adeyinka I.A., Kabir, M. Abdu, S.B., Erakpotobor,
G.I., Hassan, M.R. and Iyiola-Tunji, A.O. Zaria. March 15th-19th, 2015.
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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF SILICON OXIDE ON CARCASS

CHARACTERISTICS AND LITTER QUALITY OF BROILER
CHICKENS
*
Opoola, E., **Makinde, O. J., ***Lawal, N.A and ***Olaniyan, O
*
Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Nigeria.
**
Department of Animal Science, Federal University, Gashua, Nigeria.
***
Kabba College of Agriculture. Ahmadu Bello University.
Corresponding email: [email protected]
Phone number: 07032217712

ABSTRACT
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of silicon oxide on carcass
characteristics and litter quality of broiler chickens. In total, 120mixed sex Abor Acre broiler chicks
were distributed according to a completely randomized design. The control group was fed a diet
without silicon oxide, while treatments 2-4 were fed diets supplemented with 10, 20 and 30g/100kg
silicon oxide respectively. At the end of the starter (0-3 weeks) and finisher (4-7 weeks) phases, litter
samples were collected at random from different locations from all the replicates and scored for litter
quality test. Also at the end of the finisher phase three birds per replicate were selected on the basis of
weights for carcass characteristic study. Silicon oxide supplementation improved broiler carcass
characteristics, as shown by higher breast, back, thigh, drumstick, shank, and gizzard weights.
Chickens fed silicon oxide supplemented diets had significantly (p<0.05) better carcass characteristics
compared with those chickens fed diet without silicon oxide. Litter quality and abdominal fat were not
influenced by the treatments. It was concluded that carcass characteristics of broiler chickens were
better in birds fed 20g silicon oxide /100kg diet compared to chickens fed without silicon oxide.
Keywords: silicon oxide, carcass, broiler, litter, tropics

INTRODUCTION
One of the most important recent challenges in broiler production has been associated to skeletal
disorders, particularly those affecting the legs (Manohar et al., 2015). This can be caused by intensive
genetic selection, an increase in the nutritional quality of feed and the increased demand for poultry as
a food source, leading to a drive for faster production rates (Bradshaw et al., 2002). Unfortunately,
selection for large pectoral mass did not occur alongside selection for a stronger musculoskeletal
support system, with an investigation by Robinson et al. (2007) revealing that high breast-yielding
strains had reduced carcass frames. Silicon (Si) has been linked to the calcification of growing bone
and deficiency in poultry diets has been shown to lead to a number of health and welfare issues, such
as various skeletal weaknesses. Safaeikatouli et al. (2012) and Tauqir et al. (2001) reported that
poultry performance was improved with the use of silicate minerals in broiler diets. However, in
turkeys, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly improved with dietary Si
dioxide supplementation (Tran et al. 2015). In addition, silica increase dissolved oxygen in water and
therefore helps reduce ammonia in litter and manure (Scholey et al., 2018). There has been a gap in
the revisions made in the Nutrient requirement of poultry (NRP) since 1994, the majority have
focussed on macronutrient provision, with some updates to the provision of essential vitamins and
minerals, but no changes (or additions) have been made to reflect the growing body of work
surrounding trace and ultra trace elements like silicon oxide despite its importance in regard to bone
mineralisation. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to review the effect of silicon oxide on
carcass characteristic and litter quality of broiler chickens reared under tropical environment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Experimental site
The experiment was conducted at the Poultry Unit of livestock section Kabba College of Agriculture,
Teaching and Research farm, Ahmadu Bello University. The study area is located within the
Southern Guinea Savannah agro-ecological zone and the coordinate of the study area is Latitude
07° 51.128‘ N and Longitude 006° 04.273‘ E.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS
 Experimental design, diets and management of birds
One hundred and twenty (120) one-day old Abor Acre broiler chickens of mixed sexes were assigned
to four dietary treatment groups were distributed on the basis of equal weight into three replicates per
treatment with 10 birds each in a completely randomized design. The birds were housed in deep litter
pens and all necessary routine management practices were observed. Broiler starter and finisher diets
were fed from 0 – 3 weeks and day 4-7 weeks, respectively. Water and feed were administered ad
libitum for the 7 weeks‘ experimental period. The necessary medications and vaccinations were
administered as at when due. The diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and formulated to meet the
nutrient requirements of the broiler chicks during starter and finisher periods (Table 1) according to
the National Research Council requirements (1994). A basal diet was formulated such that treatment 1
was without silicon oxide (control), treatment 2-4 had 10g, 20g and 30g silicon oxide/100kg diet
respectively.

Table 1: Diets composition

Ingredients Basal diet (starter) Basal diet (finisher) Maize 52.80 60.50
Soyabean cake 28.00 22.00
GNC 13.74 12.14
Palm oil 1.20 1.30
Bone meal 2.80 2.70
Limestone 0.50 0.50
Common Salt 0.30 0.30
Methionine 0.18 0.15
Lysine 0.18 0.16
1
Vit-min-Premix 0.30 0.25
Total 100.00 100.00
Calculated Nutrient
ME (Kcal/kg) 3010 2998
Crude Protein (%) 23.10 20.00
Crude Fibre (%) 3.73 3.73
Ether Extract (%) 5.84 5.84
Calcium (%) 1.27 1.27
Phosphorus (%) 0.83 0.83
Methionine (%) 0.86 0.86
Lysine (%) 1.28 1.28
1
Vitamin mineral premix provide per kg of diet. Vit. A, 13,340 i.u; Vit. D 3, 2680 i.u; Vit. E, 10 i.u; Vit. K, 2.68 mg;
Calcium pantothenate, 10.68mg; Vit. B12, 0.022mg, Folic acid, 0.668mg; Choline choride, 400mg; Chlorotetracyline,
26.68mg; manganese, 13mg; iron, 66.68mg; Zinc, 53.34mg; Copper, 3.2mg; Iodine, 1.86mg; Cobalt, 0.268mg;
Selenium, 0.108mg

Carcass characteristics
At the end of the 7th week of the feeding trial, three birds from each pen with approximate body
weights equal to the mean weight of the birds in the pen were used. They birds were fasted overnight
in order to allow for the emptying of the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) and weighed. The selected birds
were slaughtered for carcass analysis by severing the neck with a sharp knife and allowed to bleed
completely. They were then defeathered and eviscerated. The liver and gizzard, and the thigh and
breast were weighed and expressed as percentages of the live body weight and the carcass weight
respectively. The intestinal length was measured in centimeters. The dressed weights were taken and
the dressing percentages computed.
Dressing percentage = Carcass weight x 100
Live weight
Litter quality
At the end of the experimental period litter samples were visually scored on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 driest
to 5 wettest) adapted from Hooge et al. (2012) with some modifications, as follows: 1. Dry, friable
material throughout the pen.
2. Predominantly dry material and mostly acceptable but with some areas of wet
shavings. 3. Poor quality litter material with a large proportion of wet areas.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

4. Unacceptable litter quality, wet but with a few areas of dry material
remaining. 5. All litter wet and soggy, no dry areas left.
Data analysis
All data obtained from the two experiments were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using
the General Linear Model Procedures (GLM) of the Statistical Analysis Software package. Significant
difference between treatments means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (SAS, 2002).
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The effect of varying level of silicon oxide supplemented diet on carcass characteristics of broiler
chickens were as shown in Table 2. Dietary treatments had significant (P<0.05) effects on live weight
(LW), carcass weight (CW), dressing percentage (DP), back, gizzard, breast, wings, thigh, drumstick
and abdominal fat. It was observed that chickens fed diet supplemented with 20g/100kg silicon oxide
had the best results in terms of LW, CW, and DP as compared to other treatments. Chickens fed 20g
silicon oxide /100kg diet had the best results in terms of back, breast, gizzard, wing, thigh and
drumstick. However, chickens fed 30g silicon oxide /100kg diet had the best result in terms of gizzard
and spleen weights. Generally, it was observed that majority of the carcass parameters measured were
higher for chickens fed silicon oxide compared to fed chickens without silicon oxide. This result
disagrees with the findings of Aksu et al., (2010b) who reported that basal diets containing lower
levels of trace minerals were similar in carcass weight than birds fed diets without trace minerals.
Also, Ara´ujo et al. (2019) reported no significant difference in weight gain/carcass weight of birds
diets supplemented with organic trace mineral diets. However, the explanation on this is still not clear
as measurements of absorption and digestion of supplemental trace minerals are generally difficult to
make because of the complexity of endogenous mineral excretion. Numerically abdominal fat pad
was observed to be highest in birds fed diet without silicon oxide diet compared to the chickens fed
diets supplemented. All the litter score values assessed were similar. This result disagrees with the
findings of Tran et al. (2015) who reported no significant differences as the levels of silicon oxide in
the diets of broiler chickens increased. However, it was observed that all the treatment groups had a
good litter score. This may be as a result of the feed ingredient used and season of rearing which may
have reduced litter pH which decreased the conversion of NH4+ to NH3 thereby reducing nitrogen losses
from litter.

Table2: Carcass characteristics of broiler Chickens fed varying level of silicon oxide in the
diets Silicon oxide levels (%)
Parameters 0.00 10 20 30 SEM Live weight (g) 2386.37d2760.00b3346.70a2406.70c0.12
Carcass weight (g) 1900.00c2193.04b3120.47a1900.08c2.29 Dressing (%)
69.60b81.89a79.58a80.46a1.98

Prime cuts and organ weights expressed as % of dressed weight

Breast 18.58c21.99b34.27a32.62a2.68 Wings 2.56c2.81c4.54a3.94b0.20 Thigh
d c a b
2.43 4.42 6.92 5.80 0.36 Drumsticks 2.10d2.75c5.20a4.03b0.30 Back
9.23b14.66a14.98a13.36a1.36 Liver 0.94 1.03 0.99 0.91 0.08 Heart 0.56 0.52 0.54 0.51
0.05 Kidney 0.15 0.14 0.12 0.16 0.05 Gizzard 0.67b0.79ab 0.75ab 0.93a0.10 Abdominal fat
0.70 0.68 0.56 0.69 0.11 Spleen 2.11a1.22b1.11b0.80b0.22 Shank
d c b a
1.23 2.41 3.30 4.40 0.23
a, b, c, d= Means with different superscript on the same row differ significantly (P<0.05)
SEM = Standard Error of Means

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 3: Visual Scoring of Litter Quality at each Growth Phase

Silicon Oxide (g/kg)
Growth phase 0.00 10 20 30 SEM Starter 2.66 2.42 2.32 2.50 1.96 Finisher 2.98 2.65 2.63 2.76 1.87 SEM =
Standard Error of Means

CONCLUSION and Application

Dietary supplementation with silicon oxide may improve carcass quality and reduce moisture in litter.
It was concluded that, under our study conditions, the feeding of 20g silicon dioxide /100kg diet offers
potential economic benefits in terms of carcass characteristics and reduced moisture content in the litter of
broiler chickens.

REFERENCES
Aksu, T., B. Ozsoy, D. Saripinar, M. A. Aksu, M. Yoruk, and M. Gul. (2010). The effects of lower
levels of organically complexed zinc, copper and manganese in broiler diets on performance,
mineralconcentration of tibia and mineral excretion. Kafkas University, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine Kafkas University Veterinary, Fak. Dergisi. 17:141–146.
Ara´ujo,C. S. S. Hermes, R. G. Bittencourt,L. C.Silva, C. C. Ara´ujo,L. F. Granghelli, C. A..
Pelissari,P. H Roque,F. A.and Leite, B. G. S. (2019) .Different dietary trace mineral sources for
broiler breeders and their progenies.Poultry Science. 98:4716–
4721http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pez182
 Manohar, G.R., Omprakash, A.V. and Kanagaraju, P.(2015). Leg weakness in commercial broiler
chicken - an overview. International Journal of Science, Environment and Technology, 4 (2),
482-487.
Bradshaw, R.H., Kirkden, R.D. and Broom, D.M., (2002). A review of the aetiology and pathology of
leg weakness in broilers in relation to welfare. Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews, 13 (2), 45-
103.
Robinson, F.E., Zuidhof, M.J. and Renema, R.A.(2007). Reproductive efficiency and metabolism of
female broiler breeders as affected by genotype, feed allocation, and age at photostimulation. 1.
Pullet growth and development. Poultry Science, 86 (10), 2256-2266.
Tauqir N. A., Sultan G.I. and Nawaz, H. (2001) Effect of different levels of bentonite with varying
energy levels on the performance of broilers. International Journal of Agriculture and
Biological sciences 3:85–88
Tran S.T., Bowman, M.E. and Smith, T.K. (2015) Effects of a silica-based feed supplement on
performance, health, and litter quality of growing turkeys. Poultry Science.94(8):1902–1908.
doi:10.3382/ps/pev15
Hooge, D. M., Mathis, G. F., Lumpkins, B., Ponebˇsek,. J. and Moran, D. (2012). Dose-responses of
broiler chicks, given live coccidian vaccine on day of hatch, to diets supplemented with various
levels of Farmatan R _ (Sweet chestnut wood tannins) or BMD R _ /Stafac R _ in a 42-day pen
trial on built-up litter. International Journal Poultry Science. 11:474–481.
National Research Council, (NRC), (1994). Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. 9th rev. ed. National
Academic Press, Washington, DC.
SAS, (2001). SAS User‘s Guide. Version 6.11. SAS Institute, Inc. Cary, NC.
Scholey, D.V., Belton,D.J. and Burton, E.J. (2018). Bioavailability of a novel form of silicon
supplement. Scientific Report.8,17022. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-35292-9

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

CARCASS AND GUT CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED

DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL DIETS
1
Usman, Y., 2Hafizu R., 3Magaji., I. M. and4Doma, U.D.
1
Department of Animal Health Technology, College of Agriculture Bauchi.
2Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
3
Department of Animal Science, Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria.
4
Department of Animal Production, Abubbakar Tafawa Balewa University,
Bauchi. Corresponding Author: [email protected]; Phone no:
07039368989

ABSTRACT
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to five different
commercial diets. Two hundred and fifty day-old chicks were randomly allotted to five diets
in replicates of three containing 16 birds each in a completely randomized design. Feed and
water were supplied ad libitum and the feeding trial lasted for 42 days. Results for Carcass
analysis revealed that diet B gave the highest (P<0.05) carcass weight of 2.06kg. Dressing
percentage was higher on diets A (70.51%) and B (68.52%). It was therefore concluded that
diet B gave better carcass yield at reduced feed cost, hence recommended for broiler chicken
producers.
Keywords: Commercial diets, Broiler chickens, Carcass and Gut Characteristic

INTRODUCTION
The development of the poultry industry has been identified as the fastest way of bridging the
 animal protein deficiency gap. Although CBN (2019), has reported that the poultry industry
is the most commercialized of all the Nigeria‘s agricultural subsectors with a current worth of
about N1.6 trillion, it is yet to attain its full potentials in the country. The World Data Atlas
(2017) revealed that in 2006, Nigeria produced 232,100 mt of poultry meat. However, this
quantity decreased to 201,493 mt in 2017. A number of factors might be responsible for this
decline. Notable among them is the increasing cost of poultry feed ingredients and that of
finished commercial feeds that often contain sub-standard nutrient levels. Energy is a
property of energy-yielding nutrients. Basically, it is produced when carbohydrates, lipids
and proteins are oxidized during metabolism. According to Carre and Juin (2015) and
Emmanuel et al. (2018), energy sources form the major single constituent (40 - 50 %.) in
broiler chicken diets. Metabolizable energy (ME) which is measured in kilocalories is the
standard measure used to describe the energy requirement of poultry (NRC, 1994). Dietary
ME plays a central role in metabolic, maintenance and production processes. Poultry feeding
programmes are established based on energy requirements to allow for optimization of
production and economic targets (Sakomura et al., 2014). Metabolizable energy levels are
implicated in broiler feed intake regulation (Leeson and Summers, 2001; Emmanuel et al.,
2018). Ghaffari et al. (2007) reported that as dietary energy level increases, birds satisfy their
energy needs by decreasing feed intake. Therefore, when formulating broiler diets, nutrient
requirements have frequently been expressed per unit of dietary metabolizable energy. At the
moment, there is limited literature on the response of broiler chickens to different commercial
feeds sold in Bauchi metropolis. It is therefore the aim of this study to add to the body of
knowledge in that area.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Experimental Site
The study was carried out at the poultry farm, college of Agriculture, Bauchi, situated on
latitude 10018‘ North, longitude 9050‘ and at an altitude of 590m above sea level. There are

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

two distinct seasons in the area. A rainy season, which starts in May and ends in October and
dry season which starts from November to April. The mean annual rainfall is 1091mm
(World Atlas, 2015).
Experimental Diets
Five different commercial diets available and commonly used by broiler chicken farmers in
Bauchi metropolis were used in the study. For convenience, the feeds were designated A, B,
C, D, and E.

Table 1: Composition (%) of different commercial starter and finisher

diets. Diets
Composition A B C D E Starter
(ME Kcal/kg) (min) 2800 2850 2900 2900 2900 Crude Protein (min) 21.0 23.0 20.0 21.0
20.0 Crude Fibre (min) 5.0 3.0 4.5 4.8 5.0 Crude fat (min) 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 5.5 Finisher
ME Kcal/kg) (min) 2900 2850 3000 3000 2900 Crude Protein (min) 18.0 18.5 18.0 18.0
18.0 Crude Fibre (min) 6.0 5.0 6.0 6.0 6.5 Crude fat (min) 5.5 6.0 5.0 6.0 5.8

Experimental Birds and their Management

A total of two hundred and fifty unsexed, day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks obtained from a
reputable hatchery were used for the experiment. Two weeks prior to the birds‘ arrival, the
study pens were cleaned washed, disinfected and fumigated. Similar treatment was also made
on the feeders, drinkers and other equipment. A week after, wood shavings were spread on
the floor of the experimental pens to a depth of approximately 3 inches. Thereafter, adequate
heating/lighting facilities, feeders, and drinkers were provided.
Brooding, which was done for a period of 7 days, commenced with the arrival of chicks. Two
200W electric bulbs were used to provide the necessary warmth needed in the brooding room
while Vital super starter®, a commercial feed, wasted to the birds ad lib. Birds were also
given the first dose of IBDV (Gumboro vaccine) at 7 days. Followed by an anti-stress
Vitalyte® for two consecutive days. Another vaccine, New Castle Disease Vaccine NDCV
 (LASOTA) was also administered on the 14th day.
Thereafter, the birds were randomly allotted to five commercial diets in replicates of 3
containing 16 birds each in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Diets and clean
drinking water were offered ad libitum throughout the 42-day trial period. Birds were also
given the second dose of Infectious Bursal Disease vaccine (Gumboro vaccine) (Booster) on
the 21st day and another of NCDV a week after. All vaccines and drugs were orally
administered.
Experimental Design
The experiment were conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD), (Steel and Torrie,
1980).
Data Collection
Carcass analysis
At the end of the finisher phase, thirty birds, two from each replicate, were randomly selected
from the five treatments (15 replicates) and fasted for 12 hours before slaughter. Each bird
was weighed and slaughtered. Weights of carcasses and internal organs were immediately

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

measured using an electronic balance calibrated in grams. Dressing percentage (DP) was
obtained using the relationship.

Where DP= Dressing percentage, CW= carcass weight and LW= live weight.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results for carcass and gut characteristics of broiler chickens fed different commercial
diets are presented in Table 2. All the carcass parameters considered in this study showed
significant (P<0.05) influence of diet. This agrees with Sanusi et al. (2015) but was at
variance with the report of Sogunle et al. (2009). In terms of dressing percentage, broilers in
this research dressed lower than 79.31 – 81.09% reported by Sogunle et al., (2009) but
similar to 64.45 – 70.68% (Abdel-Raheem and Abd- Allah, 2011). The significant difference
obtained in vital organs; liver, heart, and kidney disagrees with the findings of Sogunle et al.
(2009) and Sanusi et al. (2015) in similar experiments. . Most of the parameters studied
showed significant influence of diet. Live weight of birds was significantly (P<0.05) higher
on diet B (3.00 kg) and lower on diet A (2.39 kg). However, diet D (2.84 kg) did not differ
from diet B. similarly, diets C (2.84 kg and) and E (2.15 kg) were similar to diet A. Plucked
weight was highest (P<0.05) on diets B (2.63 kg) and C (2.64 kg) and lowest on diet E (1.81
kg). eviscerated weight was also higher (P<0.05) on diet B (2.26 kg) which was similar to
diet D (1.99 kg) and lower on diets A (1.79 kg), C (1.83 kg) and E (1.53 kg). in the same
way, carcass weight was higher (P<0.05) on diet B (2.06 kg) which did not differ from diet D
(1.77 kg) and lower on diets A (1.69 kg), C (1.68 kg) and E (1.41 kg). In terms of dressing
percentage, all diets with the exception of diet D (61.59%) had significantly (P<0.05) higher
mean values (65.35 – 70.51%). However, diet D was comparable to diets C and E. Head
weight expressed as percentage of live weight did not differ among treatments (1.88 – 2.05%).
Birds on diet A (3.76%) had heavier (P<0.05) shanks thank those on other diets (3.27 -
3.42%). Lung weights did not show any significant influence of diet (0.48 – 0.60%). The
intestines of birds fed diet A (3.97%) were heavier (P<0.05) than that of birds fed other
commercial diets (2.81 – 3.05%). However, no significant effect of diet was recorded on
intestinal length (243.33 – 273.00%). Kidney weight was higher (P<0.05) on diet E (0.67%)
which was similar to diets C (0.62%) and D (0.63%). On the other hand, liver weight was
lower on diet E (1.43%) and higher on diet D (2.34%). Birds on diets A (1.93%), B (1.83%)
and (1.96%), were similar. Relative weight of abdominal fat was higher (P<0.05) on diet E
(0.87%) which compared favourably with diets C (0.74%) and D (0.78%). Birds on diets A
(0.72%) and B (0.64%) had lower abdominal fat weights which were similar to diets C and
D. Heart weight showed a significant (P<0.05) influence on diet. Diet D (0.50%) was higher
than other diets (0.32 – 0.38%). Gizzard weight relative to live weight was significantly
(P<0.05) higher on diets C (1.70%), D (1.55%) and E (1.69%) which were similar. Broiler
chickens fed diet B (1.34%), had the lowest mean value which was lower than 1.53%
 recorded on diet A. Caecal weight was higher (P<0.05) on diet A (0.48%) and lower on other
diets (0.34 – 0.37%) which did not differ. Pancreas (0.19 – 0.21%) and spleen (0.17 – 0.25%)
weights did not differ among diets.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 2: Carcass and Organs Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Commercial Diets
Parameter A B C D E SEM Live weight (kg) 2.39cd 3.00a2.57bc 2.84ab 2.15d0.13* Plucked
b a b a c bc a bc ab
weight (kg) 2.18 2.63 2.22 2.64 1.81 0.12* Eviscerated weight (kg) 1.79 2.26 1.83 1.99
c b a b ab b
1.53 0.11* Carcass weight (kg) 1.69 2.06 1.68 1.77 1.41 0.11* Dressing percentage (%)
70.51a68.52a65.66ab 61.59b65.35ab 2.17* Head, shank and visceral organs expressed as a
percentage of live weight
Head 2.03 1.88 2.05 2.02 1.93 0.06NS Shanks 3.76a3.42b3.32b3.31b3,27b0.09* Lungs 0.60 0.60
0.55 0.53 0.48 0.04 NS Intestinal weight 3.97a3.05b2.95b2.95b2.81b0.24*
Intestinal length (cm) 273.00 258.33 250.33 264.17 243.33 10.65 NS Kidney 0.57b0.55b0.62ab
0.63ab 0.67a0.03* Liver 1.93b1.83b1.96b2.34a1.43c0.13* Abdominal fat 0.72b0.64b0.74ab 0.78ab
0.87a0.05* Heart 0.34b0.37b0.38b0.50a0.32b0.03* Gizzard 1.53b1.34c1.70a1.55ab 1.69a0.05*
Caeca 0.48a0.36b0.37b0.34b0.36b0.03*
Pancreas 0.19 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.20 0.01 NS Spleen 0.21 0.17 0.19 0.25 0.19 0.03 NS b a, c, d Means
bearing different super scripts within the same row differ; * = (P<0.05); NS= Not significant;
SEM = standard error of mean.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Carcass analysis revealed a significant influence (p<0.05) of diet in favour of diet B due to
Higher carcass yield that was obtained on diet B than other diets (A, C, D and E), therefore
diet B is recommended for broiler chickens feeding

REFERENCE
Abdel-Rahmeen, S. M. and Abd-Allah, M. S. (2011). The effect of single or combined
dietary supplementation of mannanoligosacharide and probiotics on performance and
slaughter characteristics of broilers. International Journal of Poultry Science, 10:854
– 862
Carre, B. &Juin, H. (2015). Partition of metabolizable energy, and prediction of growth
performance and lipid deposition in broiler chickens. Poultry Science. 94, 1287-1297
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (2019). The Nigerian Poultry Industry retrived on 5th
February 2020 from https://nairametrics.com/2019/07/10/cbn-unveils-revival programme-
for-poultry-farmers-offers-n36-billion
Emmanuel, U., A., Apeh, A. O, Medani, B. A. & Paul, A. I. (2018). Managing dietary energy intake by
broiler chickens to reduce production costs and improve product quality. Retrieved April 19,
2019 from http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76972
Ghaffari, M., Shivazad, M., Zaghari, M. &Taherkhani, R. (2007). Effects of different levels
of metabolizable energy and formulation of diet based on digestible and total amino
acid requirements on performance of male broiler. International Journal of Poultry
Science. 6, 276-279
Leeson, S. & Summers, J. D. (2001). Protein and amino acids. In: Scott’s Nutrition of the
Chicken, Lesson, S. and J.D. Summers (eds). University Books, Ontario, Canada, pp:
102-175.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS
 National Research Council (1994). Nutrient requirements of Poultry. National Academic
of Science Washington D.C. U.S.A
Sakomura, N. K., Hauschild, L. and Bonato, M. A. (2014). Modelagem da utilizacao da
energia nas aves, In: Sakomura, N. K. Nuticao de nao ruminantes. Jaboticabal: Funep
pp 313 – 329
Sanusi, M., Rabi, A., Doma, U. D. and Haruna, J. (2015). Comparative effect of self
formulated and four commercial diets on the growth performance, carcass and
haematological parameters of broiler finisher in the tropics. Sokoto Journal of Veterinary
Sciences, 13(2):14-19
Steel, R.G.D and Torrie, J. H (1980). Principles and Procedures of Statistics: A Biometric
Approach. 2nd edition. McGraw Hill books co. Inc. New York, Pp. 63. Sogunle, O. M.,
Ekunseitan, D. A., Adeoti, M. T., Iyanda, A. I. and Fanimo, A. O. (2009). Performance and
carcass characteristics of two strains of broiler chickens fed three different commercial feeds.
Journal of Applied Agricultural Research, 1:53 -59. World Atlas (2015): Where is Bauchi.
Retrieved September 14, 2018 from https://www.worldatlas.com/af/ng/ba/where-is-bauchi
World Data Atlas (2017). Nigeria-Production of poultry meat. Retrieved January 14, 2020
from https://knoema.com/atlas/Nigeria/topics/Agriculture/Live-Stock-Production
Production-Quantity/Production-of-poultry-meat.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

UTILIZATION OF MAIZE OFFALS AS A REPLACEMENTTO WHEAT OFFALS

AS DIETARY FIBRE SOURCES BY BROILER CHICKENS AT STARTER PHASE
1
Shuibu Inuwa and 2 Usman Yakubu
1
Ministry of Agriculture, Bauchi, Bauchi state, Nigeria
 2
Department of Animal Health, Bauchi State College of Agriculture. Nigeria
Corresponding Author: shu‘ibu [email protected]; Phone no: 08123729404

ABSTRACT
An experiments was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to dietary levels of maize
offal as replacement to wheat offal. Using a completely randomized design, three hundred broiler
chicks were used in the trial. Feed and water were supplied ad lib and the trial lasted for 4 weeks. In
the experiments maize offal replaces wheat offal as diet 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively, as 0 (diet 1), 25
(diet 2), 50 (diet 3), 75 (diet 4), and (diet 5)100% levels. The Results showed no significant influence
(P<0.05) of diet on initial weight, total weight, final weight gain and feed conversion ratio. However,
performance traits significantly (P<0.05) differ among the diets on total feed intake, daily feed intake,
daily weight gain and week 4 weight gain respectively. It was therefore concluded that maize offal
can replace wheat offal in broiler chicken diets without compromising performance.
Keywords: Commercial diets, Broiler chickens and performance.

INTRODUCTION.
Poultry‖ can be defined as domestic fowls, including chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks raised for the
production of meat or eggs and the word is also used for the flesh of these birds used as food. Poultry
also include other birds that are killed for their meat, such as the young of pigeons (known as squabs)
but does not include similar wild birds hunted for sport or food and known as game. Poultry can be
distinguished from ―game‖ defined as wild birds or mammal hunted for food or sport, a word also
used to describe the flesh of these when eaten. Nowadays poultry production has developed and
occupies a place of pride among the livestock enterprises due to its rapid monetary turnover (Kheravvi
et al., 2018). This has made the enterprise attractive and popular among small, medium as well as
large scale poultry farmers (Kheravvi et al., 2018). Fibre refer to fibre as cell walls of plant tissue that
mostly consist of lignin, cellulose as well as hemicelluloses. (Mc Donald et al.,1994) The poultry
industry has become a diverse industry with a variety of business interests such as egg production,
broiler production, hatchery and poultry equipment business (Oluyemi and Roberts, 1999). Fibre is
thought to decline chicken production and growth that is it decreases the effectiveness of feed
utilization (Vantsawa, 2001). Maize is a stable food for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.
Although white maize is more popular in most households, few know that yellow maize is more
nutritious than white maize. maize is an excellent and most popular source of energy used in broiler
diets ( Aduku., 1993). Therefore, sorghum, millet, maize offal, rice bran and wheat offal, millet bran,
spent sorghum grain and broken rice could be recommended as alternative sources of feed ingredients
in poultry diets.(Medugu et al.,2011). Several workers have emphasized the need for utilizing
alternative feed ingredients removed from human and industrial uses (Durunna et al., 1999; Fanimo et
al., 2007; and Nsa et al., 2007).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The experiments were carried out at the Poultry Unit, Teaching and Research Farm, Abubakar Tafawa
Balewa University, Bauchi. The town, Bauchi, is located within the southern guinea savannah on
latitude 10.31 N and longitude 9.84 E. It is 616 metres above sea level characterized a rainy season
that commences in May and terminates in October and a dry season that starts in November and ends
in April. Mean annual rainfall is 1009 mm, highest relative humidity 94% (August) and the lowest
35% (February). Temperatures are between 13-17oC (December – February) and 36 – 37oC (March –
April) (World Atlas, 2015).
Experimental Diets
Experimental starter diets containing 23% CP. Diet 1 which served as the control contained 0% maize
offal, while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels of maize offal as replacement for

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

wheat offal. The ingredients were measured out and mixed using a feed mill mixer to ensure
homogeneity. Percentage composition of graded levels of maize offal for wheat offal in broiler starter
are presented in Tables 1. A total of three hundred (300) day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks obtained
from a commercial hatchery were used for the experiment. Prior to the commencement of the
experiment, the study pens were cleaned washed, disinfected and fumigated. Similar treatment was
also made on the feeders, drinkers and other equipment. A week after, wood shavings were spread on
the floor of the experimental pens to a depth of approximately 3 inches. Adequate heating/lighting
facilities, feeders, and drinkers were also provided.
After brooding the chicks for 2 weeks, where all recommended vaccinations were also made. Feed
and clean drinking water were served ad libitum throughout the 56-day trial period. Birds were also
 given the second dose of Infectious Bursal Disease vaccine (Gumboro vaccine) (Booster) on the 21st
day and another of NCDV a week after.

Table 1: Ingredients Composition (%) and Calculated Analysis of Dietary Levels of Maize Offal
as Replacement for Wheat Offal Fed to Starter Broilers (1 – 4 weeks)
Diets
Ingredient 12345
Maize 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 Full-fat soya bean 34.00 34.00 34.00 34.00 34.00
Wheat offal 10.00 7.50 5.00 2.50 0.00 Maize offal 0.00 2.50 5.00 7.50 10.00 Fish meal 5.00
5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Bone meal 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Limestone 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Salt (NaCl) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Premix* (Starter) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Methionine
0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Lysine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
100.00 Calculated analysis (%)
ME (Kcal/kg) 2835.00 2847.68 2859.00 2872.14 2881.52 Crude Protein 22.85 22.75 22.65
22.55 22.45 Crude Fibre 3.70 3.78 3.87 3.96 4.05 Ether Extract 4.01 4.00 3.98 3.96 3.95
Calcium 1.80 1.79 1.79 1.79 1.79 Phosphorous 0.82 0.82 0.81 0.81 0.81 Methionine 0.66 0.66
0.66 0.66 0.66 Lysine 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 ME; Metabolizable energy.

Experimental Design
The birds were weighed to determine their initial weights and randomly allotted to five experimental
diets in 3 replicates of 20 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment were
conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD), (Steel and Torrie, 1990).

Data Collection
Feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality were the performance parameters
monitored during the study period. Initial live weights of chickens were taken at the beginning of each
experiment, thereafter, weekly weights were determined. These were in turn used to calculate the
daily weight gain (DWG). Daily mean feed intakes were also determined by subtracting the weight of
left-over feed from the quantity offered the previous day. Feed conversion ratio on the other hand,
was calculated from the relationship;
……………………………………………………………. (3)

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Where FCR= feed conversion ratio, FI= feed intake and WG= weight gain. Mortalities were recorded
for each treatment throughout the feeding trial.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.

The performance of broiler chickens fed dietary levels of maize offal as replacement for wheat offal is
presented in Table 2.
Initial weights of birds used in this experiment which ranged between 207.66 (diet 3) to 226.66 g (diet
5), was not significantly different among diets. This agrees with Makinde and Sonaiya (2011). These
authors however, did not report any significant difference in initial weight and daily weight gain in
starter phase. However, body weight at 4 weeks was significantly (P<0.05) affected with birds on diet
5 (997.38 g) having higher weights while those fed diet 1 (888.43 g) had the lowest, The significant
influence of diet on body weight gain obtained at the starter phase contradicts to the findings of
Ajighjigh et al. (2017) and Ajighjigh et al. (2018) whose found no significance different on body
weight gain at starter phase (671.34) and (678.46) for birds on diet 3 and 4 respectively, but concur
with Makinde and Inuwa (2015) whose reported significance influence on body weight at starter
phase. Diet 3 (852.35g) was intermediate and did differ from diets 2 (941.20 g) and 4 (903.17 g).
Mortality of two birds was recorded on diets 2 and 3 during the starter phase.

Table 2: Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Maize Offal as replacement for
Wheat Offal

Diets
Parameters 1 2 3 4 5 SEM Productive performance
Initial weight (g) 211.33 220.00 207.66 215.00 226.66 10.91NS Week 4 weight (g) 888.43c941.20ab
852.35b903.17ab 997.38a45.34* Total weight gain (g) 1099.76 1161.20 1060.01 1118.17 1224.04
102.73NS Starter phase (1 – 4 weeks)
Total feed intake (g) 1199.52b1748.60a1695.40a1792.56a1994.16a176.45* Daily feed intake (g)
 42.84b62.45a60.55a64.02a71.22a5.83* Daily weight gain (g) 15.97c25.76ab 23.02b24.58ab
27.52a2.30* Feed conversion ratio 2.69 2.43 2.65 2.61 2.59 0.24NS Mortality (No.) 0 1 1 0 0 -
abc
Means bearing different superscripts within the same row differ; * = (P<0.05); NS= Not significant;
SEM = Standard Error of Means

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded and recommended that; Maize offal can
replace wheat offal in broiler starter chicken diets without compromising performance. There for
maize offal can be recommended as a potential fibre source in broiler starter chicken diets.

REFERENCE
Aduku, A. O. (1993). Tropical feedstuffs analysis table. Department of Animal Science, ABU, Zaria,
Nigeria
Ajighjigh, D. T., Doma, U. D., Egbo, M. L., Mahmoud, M., Maidala, A. A. and Zagi, S. P. (2017).
Response of broiler chickens to different dietary fibre sources. International Journal of
Sciences, Engineering and management Sciences, 2(12): 155 – 158
Ajighjigh, D. T., Mahmud, M. and Waziri, D. (2018). Growth performance and economics of
production of broiler chickens fed industrial by-products. Journal of Agriculture and
Veterinary Science, 11(10):87 – 92.
Durunna, C.S., Udedibie, A.B.I. and Anyanwu, G.A. (1999). Combination of maize/sorghum dried
brewers‘ grain, cocoyam cob and cassava tuber meal as substitute for maize in the diets of
laying hens. Journal of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Environment, 2:1 – 7.
Fanimo, A.O., Adebayo, A.J., Oduguwa, O.O. and Biobaku, W.O. 2007. Feeding value of cashew
testa for broiler chickens. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 34(1): 83 – 93

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Medugu, C.I Raji, A.O. Igwebuike, J. U. and Barwa, E. (2011). Alternative cereal grains and cereal
by-products as sources of energy in poultry diets- A review. Research Opinions In animal and
veterinary sciences Print ISSN 2221-1896, Online ISSN 2223-0343www.roavs.com
Nsa, E.E., Okereke, C.O. and Okon, B. 2007. Effects of supplementary green feedstuffs on growth
performance, internal organs development and abdominal fat deposition in finisher broiler
chickens. Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of Nigerian Society for Animal
Production (NSAP), 18th – 21st March, 2007. University of Calabar, Cross River State,
Nigeria. Pp: 230 – 233
Kheravvi, S. K., Morgan, N.K., Swick, R. A., Choct, M. and Wu, S. B. (2018). Roles of dietary fibre
and ingredient particle size in broiler nutrition. World‘s Poultry Science Journal. 74 (2): 301 –
316.
Makinde, O. A. and Sonaiya, E. B. (2011). Utilization of sun-dried maize offal with blood meal in
diets for broiler chickens. Open Journal of Animal sciences, 1(3): 106 – 111.
McDonald, P.E, Edward, R.A., Morgan, C.A. andGreenhalgn, J. F. D. (1995). Animal Nutrition, 4th
Edition, Wisely Eastern Limited. Pp. 33 – 40
Oluyemi J. A. and F.A Roberts (1999). Poultry Production in Warm Wet Climates. Macmillart
press, London. Pp. 31.
Steel, R.G.D. and Torrie, J.H. (1990). Principles and Procedures of Statistics. 2nd Edition Mc
Graw-Hill Book Co Inc., New York. Pp.23
Vantsawa, P. A. (2001). Replacement value of local maize offal (dusa) for maize in broiler diets.
Nigerian Journal of Biotechnology, 12:25 – 28
World Atlas (2015): Where is Bauchi. Retrieved September 14, 2018 from https://www.worldatl
as.com/af/ng/ba/where-is-bauchi.
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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

METABOLISABLE ENERGY VALUE AND ANTI-METABOLITES OF CASSAVA

PEELS PRODUCTS IN POULTRY
1,2
Oladimeji S. O., 1Ogunwole O. A., 1Adeyemi, A. A. and 1Tewe O. O.
1
Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of
Ibadan. 2 Animal Nutrition Department, Amo Byng Nigeria Limited, Awe, Oyo, Oyo State
Corresponding author: Oladimeji S. O. Email: [email protected]; Phone: +2348062411299

ABSTRACT
The metabolisable energy value and antinutrient composition of cassava peel products were
determined in this study. Four cassava peel products namely; coarse cassava peel mash (CCPM), fine
cassava peel mash (FCPM), whole cassava peel mash (WCPM) and sundried cassava peel meal
(SCPM) were processed from fresh cassava peels. The products were assessed for energy values and
antimetabolites. Results showed that CCPM had significantly higher (P<0.05) gross energy
(3577.20KKcal/Kg), while FCPM had the highest apparent metabolisable energy (2862.7) Kcal/Kg).
The SCPM contained the highest (P<0.05) cyanide, oxalate, tannin, saponin and alkaloids which
ranged from 14.52-20.63mg/100g (cyanide), 28.24-68.58mg/100g (Phytate), 6.15-9.13mg/100g
(oxalate), 67.79-286.97mg/100g (tannin), 1.21-3.83mg/100g (saponin) and 5.97-10.08mg/100g
(alkaloids). It was concluded that processing of cassava peels helped to reduce antinutrient
composition of cassava peel products and increased metabolisable energy of cassava peel products.

Keywords: Nutrients, Chemical composition, Anti-nutritional factors, Agro-industrial by-products

INTRODUCTION
The increasing cost of feedstuffs has resulted in amplified search and use of alternative ingredients,
particularly, as energy and protein sources. The increased search is largely caused by poor yield,
reduced annual rainfall and increase cost of raw materials. Morgan and Choct (2016) have attributed
increased drought and competitions between human and animal industry as contributors to high raw
materials cost. Recently, the price of maize and soya increased by 78 and 100% in December 2020,
from an initial price of 90 and 110 naira in January 2020, respectively.
The average usage of maize in commercial poultry feed is between 50-60% while soybean meal,
between 20-30%. Significant saving would be made if the usage of maize is reduced. Cassava tuber
and cassava peels are one of the products that could help reduce the consumption of maize (Morgan
and Choct, 2016; Etuk et al., 2017). Cassava peels are less competed for by human industry and is an
Agro-Industrial By-products (AIBs) from cassava tuber processed for human industry.
Sundried cassava peels is the most common form of cassava peel presentation of cassava peel.
However, authors have suggested that different processing methods such as fermentation, boiling and
physical methods could help to reduce the antinutrients and microbial toxins (Okike et al., 2015; Etuk
et al., 2017) level of the cassava peels. Okike et al. (2015) submitted that combination of physical
processing methods using similar machinery for garri production could help to address the challenge.
Three products named fine, whole and coarse cassava peel mash were developed from cassava peels.
The new products need to compare with the conventionally known sundried cassava peel.
The usage and preference of any cassava peel products require adequate knowledge of metabolisable
energy and anti-nutrients. There is therefore the need to determine the metabolisable energy of
cassava peel products and anti-nutrient, which is the reason for this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Test Materials
Four cassava peel products namely sundried cassava peel meal (SCPM), fine cassava peel mash
(FCPM), coarse cassava peel mash (CCPM) and whole cassava peel mash (WCPM) were used for this
study. Fresh cassava peels were obtained from garri processing plant. A fraction of the fresh cassava
peel was sundried for 3-5 days, plate milled and named SCPM. The remaining cassava peels were
grated, dewatered using hydraulic press overnight. The cake obtained was pulverised and sundried

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

was named WCPM. A fraction of the cake was also pulverised and sieved to obtain the coarse and
 fine fraction. Both fractions were then sundried to obtain CCPM and FCPM.
Experimental Site
The study was carried out at the Poultry Unit, Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan,
Ibadan. Laboratory analyses were undertaken at the Department of Animal Science Laboratories,
University of Ibadan.
Determination of Antinutrients in Cassava peel products
The anti-nutrients determined were cyanide (Bradbury et al., 1999; Egan et al., 1998), phytate
(Wheeler and Ferrel, 1991), oxalate (Oke, 1969), saponin (Harborne, 1984) and alkaloids of each
cassava peel products in quadruplicate.
Apparent Metabolisable Energy of Cassava Peel Products Determination Apparent metabolisable
energy determination of FCPM, WCPM, CCPM and SCPM were determined using 108, 21-day old
Abor Acres broiler chicks; practical diet replacement method of Hills and Anderson (1958) as
explained by Mandal et al. (2006) was employed in a completely randomized design.
Nine groups of broiler chickens were offered nine dietary treatments. They were replicated 6 times
with 3 birds per replicate. Diet I was conventional reference grower diet, while diets II, III, IV, V, VI,
VII VIII and IX had maize in reference diets replaced with 20% and 40% CCPM, FCPM, SCPM and
WCPM.
The average feed intake was determined before feeding. The quantity consumed was used to calculate
the average feed consumption during this period and the average feed to be consumed for the next
three days of data collection.
Total excreta was collected and used. The excreta were oven-dried, the gross energy of feed, excreta
was determined with e2K model of Oxygen bomb calorimeter. The metabolisable energy and dry
matter of the seven diets were calculated.
Calculation of AMEN
The apparent metabolisable energy values of the diets were determined using the method of Hill and
Anderson (1958) adopted by Mandal et al., (2006). The apparent metabolisable energy values of the
test cassava peel products were calculated using simultaneous equations: AMEn=0.80R+0.20T and
0.60R + 0.40T (where R is the AMEn of reference diet and AMEn of the Test ingredient is
represented as T).
Statistical Analysis
The design was a completely randomized design. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using
the procedure of SAS (2002).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The anti-nutrients content and energy values of cassava peel products are presented in Tables 1 and 2.
The results showed that anti-nutrients levels in cassava peel products were influenced. The SCPM had
the highest (P<0.05) level of cyanide (20.63mg/100g), oxalate (9.13 mg/100g), tannin
(86.97mg/100g), saponin (3.83 mg/100g) and alkaloids (10.28 mg/100g). Phytate (68.58 mg/100g)
was highest (P<0.05) in WCPM. Anti-nutrients have been reported to influenced utilisation and
absorption of nutrients with cyanide considered the most toxic anti-nutrients in cassava (Montagnac et
al., 2009). The cyanide levels of the cassava peel products were lower than European countries
standard of less than 50mg/Kg of HCN (Okafor and Nwabuko, 2003).
The phytate levels obtained for all the cassava peel products were lower than value reported by Oboh
(2006). The phytate levels were observed to be higher than cyanide levels in the products. Oxalates
values reported for the cassava peel products were lower than 33mg/100g reported by Aro et al.
(2010) and the values were lower than 100,000 mg/100g considered to be deleterious to animals
(Matham and Sutherland, 1992). Higher tannin level has been reported to result in toxicity, poor
nutrient utilisation and sometimes death (Garg et al., 1992; Salinikowe et al., 2001). Varietal
differences could be responsible for the difference between anti-nutrient of the cassava peel products
obtained to cassava peels figures reported by Aro et al. (2010).

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

Table 1: Anti-nutrients content (mg/100g) of cassava peel products

Parameters Coarse cassava mash SEM
Sundried cassava peel mash Whole cassava
peel meal Fine cassava peel peel mash

Cyanide 20.63a + 0.47 14.52d + 0.18 19.25b + 0.31 15.62c + 0.24 0.76 Phytate 28.24d + 1.35
43.09c + 2.38 61.37b + 0.9468.58a + 2.46 4.78 Oxalate 9.13a + 0.17 7.53c + 0.26 6.15d + 0.21
 8.05b + 0.10 0.33 Tannin 86.97a + 0.29 67.79d + 0.33 74.64c + 0.06 81.35b + 0.42 2.17 Saponin
3.83a + 0.16 1.32c + 0.02 2.09b + 0.06 1.21c + 0.03 0.31 Alkaloid 10.08a +0.04 5.97d + 0.14 7.50c
+ 0.14 9.58b + 0.07 0.50 abc Means with the same superscripts in the same row are not
significantly different (P>0.05)

Table 2 Energy content (Kcal/Kg) of cassava peel products

Parameters Coarse cassava mash SEM
Sundried cassava peel mash Whole cassava peel
peel meal Fine cassava peel mash

Gross energy 3511.80b3577.20a3400.70c3377.30c24.89 AME

2581.84b2593.65b2862.70a2752.23a40.45 abc Means with the same superscripts in the same column are
not significantly different (P>0.05) AME= Apparent metabolizable energy, SEM= Standard error of
mean.

Saponin has been reported to prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine (Farell,
2013). Though, values obtained were lower than those reported by Aro et al. (2010) for cassava peel.
Alkaloid contents were within the safety margin for consumption. McDonald et al. (2010) had
reported that alkaloid content below 0.6g/kg was safe for consumption.
Energy indices are important tools in the measurement of available energy in feedstuffs. The cassava
peel products studied has lower energy content compared to maize. The cassava peel products had
lower gross energy compared to 3714Kcal/kg reported by Hoai et al. (2011) for cassava meal. The
apparent metabolisable energy was highest in FCPM and was an indication that higher gross energy
does not translate to higher metabolisable energy. This study also disagrees with Ravindran (2013)
submission that 30% of ingested energy was lost as feaces. The lower apparent metabolisable energy
obtained for SCPM could be due to the influence of higher anti-nutritional factors in it.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Sundried cassava peel meal had the highest cyanide, oxalate, tannin, saponin and alkaloid content but
phytate. The processing methods also improved the apparent metabolisable energy of the new
products; FCPM recorded the highest apparent metabolisable energy.

Acknowledgement
Authors appreciate the contributions of the Management of International Livestock Research Institute,
Ibadan for assisting with the machinery that was used in the production of the products.

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Egan, S. V., Yeoh, H. H. and Bradbury, J. H. (1998). Simple picrate paper kit for determination of the
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Etuk E. B. Obasi I. U. and C. T. Ezeokeke (2017). Nutrient Composition and Feeding Value of
Cassava Peels in livestock and Poultry Production. In The Science and Technology of Cassava
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towards Cost-Effective Poultry Feeds Production from Processed Cassava Products to

improved the Prodcutivity of Small Scale Farmers in Nigeria, June 27-July 1, 2016, Asaba,
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Farrell D (2013). The role of poultry in human nutrition. In: Poultry development review. FAO,
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Harborne J. B. (1984). Phytochemical methods: A guide to modern techniques of plant analysis.
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Mandal A. B., Tyagi P. K., Elangovan A. V., Tyagi P. K., Kaur S. and Johri A. K. (2006)
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Montagnac, J. A., Davis, C. R. and Tanumihardjo, S. A. (2009). Nutritional Value of Cassava for use
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Morgan, N. K. and M. Choct (2016). Cassava: Nutrient composition and nutritive value in poultry
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A. Duncan, T. Alabi, and M. Blummel. (2015). Technical innovations for small-scale producers
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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

EFFECT OF GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM) SUPPLEMENT ON PERFORMANCE AND

CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS

Ibrahim *, H1., Egbewande, O.O., Aliyu, Z., Oluwawuni, T.B. and Awolola, G Department of
Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibrahim BadamasiBabangida University, Lapai, Niger
State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding Author : [email protected] GSM No- 08036101761

ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to investigate the effect of garlic supplement on the growth performance and
carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty day old chicks of mixed sexes
were randomly allotted into four treatment groups, thirty birds per treatment and were replicated three
times with ten birds per replicate in a complete randomized design. Four test diets were formulated
and designated as Diet 1 for control, while Diet 2, 3, and 4 with inclusion levels of garlic powder at
0g/kg,10g/kg, 15g/kg and 20g/kg respectively. The study lasted for eight . The parameters
 investigated were performance Cut-up parts and Visceral organs. Data generated were subjected to
analysis of variance and significant differences separated using Least Significant Difference. The
results on performance showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) difference in the parameters
measured except percentage dressed weight that showed significant difference with T1 having a
higher value of 64.33% closely followed by T4 with 62.60% , T2 with 61.10 % and the least value
was T3 with 54.53% , highest percentage of mortality were recorded on birds fed with T 1 (10.00%),
followed by diet 2 (6.67%),T 3 (6.67%) and T4 recorded the least of percentage of mortality with the
value (3.3%) results obtained for cuts off parts also showed non significant difference except wings
and backs that were significantly different across the treatment groups. The same trend of non
significant difference were observed in Visceral organs of broiler chickens fed garlic supplement
except abdominal fat and intestine that were significantly different across the treatment groups. From
the result obtained , Birds fed with inclusion rate of garlic at T4 had the lowest mortality rate, this
may have great impact on production of the broilers chicken and can be recommended as the best diet
to be fed to broiler chickens
Keywords: Supplements, Chickens, Carcass, Characteristics, Garlic

INTRODUCTION
Poultry that can efficiently solve the problem of animal protein shortage in most of the developing
countries like Nigeria (Olabanji et al. 2009). Poultry industry in Nigeria occupies a prominent
position as a important source of animal protein supply to the citizen. Over the years, the growth of
poultry industry has followed a pattern closely dictated by the economic fortunes of the countries. The
sector contributed about 25% of the agricultural domestic products of the Nigerian economy (FAO,
2009) Nigeria. Currently rated as the leading country in Africa with respect to egg production and
fourth in broiler production, Garlic (Allium sativum L) is bulbous vegetable, well known spice and
medicinal plant, which belongs to the family Liliaceae and genus Allium (Simon and Jenderek, 2003).
The importance of garlic in recent years, has to a wide range of useful properties, it has been
increasingly used as an additive in nutrition and health of farm animals (pigs, poultry, cattle, sheep).
The objectives of the present study, therefore was to determine the effects of garlic supplement on
growth performance and carcass parameters of broiler chickens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Location of experimental site: The experiment was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching
and Research Farm, Department of Animal Production, Faulty of Agriculture, Ibrahim Badamasi
Babangida University Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria.
Processing of Test ingredient (garlic)
Fresh garlic gloves were peeled and washed to remove adhering debris and cut/ sliced into small sizes
after which they were dried for three days, and then ground into powdery form and finally in
cooperated in to the starter and finisher diets for the birds.

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Experimental birds and their management

One hundred and twenty (120) mixed sex day-old broiler chicks were bought from Karmadex Nigeria
Plc, Ibadan and used for this experiment. They were allotted into four treatments of three replicate
each containing ten birds. The birds were placed on the experimental diet on their arrival. The chicks
were brooded on deep liter and heat was supplied using charcoal pot and kerosene lanterns as sources
of heat and light. The birds were vaccinated against endemic diseases in the area via drinking water.
Feed and water were supplied ad-libitum.
Experimental design
Experimental diets were formulated and fed at graded levels of inclusion of 0g/kg , 10g/kg, 15g/kg
and 20g/kg of garlic powder respectively and designated as T1==0g/kg , T2== 10g/kg, T3==15g/kg
and T4==20g/kg of garlic powder respectively (Table 1 and 2).
Table 1: Composition of experimental broiler starter diets
Ingredients (%) T1 T2 T3 T4
0kg 10kg 15kg 20g/kg
Maize 54.40 54.40 54.40 54.40 Groundnut 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 Wheat
Offal 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Fish Meal 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Bone Meal 0.50 0.50
0.50 0.50 Premix 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Limestone 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Salt 0.50
0.50 0.50 0.50 Lysine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Methionine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Garlic g/kg 0.00 2.00 1.50 1.00
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Calculated Values
 Crude Protein 23.10 23.10 23.10 23.10 ME Kcal/kg 2877.37 2877.37 2877.37 2877.37 Fibre 3.25 3.25
3.25 3.25 Key:ME =Metabolizable Energy, T1 = contained only feed ingredient without garlic powder
(Control), T2 = contained feed ingredient with 20g/kg of garlic powder, T3 = contained feed
ingredient with 15g/kg of garlic powder, T4 = contained feed ingredient with 10g/kg of garlic powder

Data Collection
Data were collected on growth performance as seen below ,
• Mean weight gain = Mean final weight(g) – mean initial weight(g)
• Mean daily feed intake = mean total feed intake
Number of days
Feed conversion ratio = mean of feed intake
Mean of weight gain by birds
The carcass characteristic was carried out at the end of the experiment. Three birds per treatment were
randomly selected, slaughtered and dressed with hot water (scalding). After dressing, the visceral
organs and the cut-up parts were weighed in grams. Statistical analysis: All data obtained from the
experiment were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) according to the procedure of Gen Stat,
(2014)

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Table 2: Composition of experimental broiler finisher diets

Ingredients (%) T1 0 T210 T3 15 T4 20 0g/kg 10kg 15kg 20kg

Maize 54.40 54.40 54.40 54.40 Groundnut 28.40 28.40 28.40 28.40 Wheat Offal 10.50
10.50 10.50 10.50 Fish Meal 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Bone Meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Limestone 1.00 1.00 1.00
1.00 Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Lysine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Methionine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Garlic powder g/kg 0.00 2.00 1.50 1.00 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Calculated Values
Crude protein 20.26 20.26 20.26 20.26 ME Kcal/kg 2917.04 2917.04 2917.04 2917.04 Fibre 3.65 3.64
3.64 3.64 Key:ME =Metabolizable Energy, T1 = contained only feed ingredient without garlic powder
(Control), T2 = contained feed ingredient with 20g/kg of garlic powder, T3 = contained feed
ingredient with 15g/kg of garlic powder, T4 = contained feed ingredient with 10g/kg of garlic powder

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The result on the effect of garlic supplementation on performance parameters of broilers chicken is
presented in Table 3 . The results showed that broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with garlic
powder were not significantly (P>0.05) different in all the parameters across the treatments groups
except Dressing percentage that was significantly (P>0.05) different from T4 20g/kg (62.60) but
having similar value with T1 0g/kg (64.33). This could be attributed to the high amount of garlic
powder inclusion in the treatment diet and is not in accordance with the finding of Raeesi et al (2010),
who reported that it is better to use garlic as growth stimulator periodically than continuously

Table 3: Performance characteristics of broiler chickens fed garlic supplement Parameter

T1 T2 T3 T4 SEM LSD
0kg 10kg 15kg 20kg
Initial weight 0.037 0.036 0.034 0.038 0.002 NS

Final Body weight 1.03 1.10 1.06 1.06 0.12 NS Weekly body weight gain (kg) 0.12 0.13 0.13 0.13
0.01 NS Dressed weight (kg) 0.83 0.66 0.67 0.73 0.93 NS Percent Dressed weight 64.33 a 61.10a
54.53b62.60a3.31 *
Feed Intake (kg) 0.53 0.45 0.45 0.49 0.04 NS FCR 0.24 0.30 0.29 0.27 0.04 NS Mortality (%) 10.00
 6.67 6.67 3.33 Means in the same row with different letters in superscript are significantly
different (P < 0 05) Mean ± Standard deviation, FCR = Feed Conversion Ratio, SEM =Standard
Error Mean, LSD = Level of Significant Difference

Result of Internal organ weights of broiler chickens expressed as percent of live weight is presented in
(Table 4) . The parameters considered here were not significant (P<0.05) affected in birds fed diets
containing garlic powder as supplement except abdominal fat and intestine with T3 recorded highest
value 4.25 and that could result from higher proportion of test ingredient in the inclusion

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

level in the diet and effect of garlic on increase of mass of internal organs as explained by Otunola et
al (2010) which is not in agreement with the studies by Raeesi et al (2010), who reported that the
consequences of adverse effect of garlic derive from its chemical composition, and intestine recorded
similar values across the treatment groups

Table 4: Visceral organs or internal organs of broiler chickens fed garlic supplement
Visceral organ (g) T1 T2 T3 T4 SEM LSD 0kg 10kg 15kg 20kg
Liver 31.67 24.83 24.33 31.67 5.88 NS Kidney 9.50 8.10 5.83 8.10 1.55 NS Heart 7.33 6.67 6.17 7.17
1.01 NS Spleen 1.25 0.82 0.42 0.42 0.57 NS Pancreas 3.00 3.50 3.17 2.50 0.57 NS Gizzard
40.50a35.67c 40.83a 39.17b4.49 NS Abdominal fat 2.83 4.25 2.50 2.25 0.94 * Proventriculus 7.83 7.50
8.10 9.00 1.38 NS Intestine 111.17a104.33b 106.00b 108.67b14.18 * Means in the same row with
different letters in superscript are significantly different (P < 0 05)Mean ± Standard deviation,
SEM =Standard Error Mean, LSD = Level of Significant Difference

Result of the Cut-up parts of broiler chickens fed garlic powder supplement is presented in Table 5
Cut up difference among the treatment groups except on the neck and back that were significantly
(P<0.05) were not affected by the test ingredient. Stanacev et al (2010) and Raeesi et al (2010) also
obtained similar result in their studies that revealed no significant different effect of garlic on cut up
parts. Control treatment (zero inclusion) had a significantly higher proportion of back and wing
compared with other treatment groups , which was in agreement with of results of these authors
Stanacev et al. (2010).

Table 5 : Cut-up parts of broiler chickens fed garlic supplement

Cut-up Parts (g) T1 T2 T3 T4 SEM LSD 0kg 10kg 15kg 20kg
Head 43.17 37.00 36.67 38.33 3.00 NS Neck 51.67 40.33 42.33 47.83 4.60 NS Wings 98.00a 81.81c
91.00a86.33b 6.38 * Drumsticks 123.00 100.67 101.83 110.67 22.33 NS Thigh 141.50 114.83 117.33
117.00 14.91 NS Chest 193.16 161.00 170.83 175.33 22.70 NS Back 170.67a133.83b 126.83c147.67b
13.88 * Shank 55.17 49.50 51.59 52.50 5.46 NS Means in the same row with different letters in
superscript are significantly different (P < 0 05)Mean ± Standard deviation, SEM =Standard Error
Mean, LSD = Level of Significant Difference Error Mean, LSD = Level of Significant Difference

CONCLUSION
Based on results obtained in this trial, garlic Supplementation on performance and carcass
characteristics of broiler chickens can be improved specially at T4 20g/kg of garlic. Carcass
characteristics were not significantly (P > 0 05) influenced by the garlic dietary inclusion levels

RECOMMENDATION
From the above, it could be concluded that Birds fed with inclusion level of garlic at T4 20g/kg of
garlic can be recommended as the best diet to be fed to broiler chickens

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REFERENCES
FAO, (2009): Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation. Statistic Division.Garlic
production crop/world region/production Quantity.© FAO Statistics Divi sion Olabanji, R. O., Farinu,
G.O., Akinlade, J.A., Olabiyi O.O.,Odinsi A.A., Akingbade, A.A. (2009). Studies on haematological
and serum biochemical characteristics of broilers fed different levels of wild sunflower (Tithonia
 diversifolia) leave blood meal mixture. International Journal of Agriculture apiculture Res.
Otunola, G.A., O.B. Oloyede, A.T. Oladiji, A.J. Afolayan, (2010): Comparative analysis of the
chemical composition of three spices – Allium sativum L. ZingiberofficinaleRosc. And
Capsicum frutescens L. commonly consumed in Nigeria. African Journal of Biotechnology
9, 6927-6931.
Raeesi, M., S.A. Hoseini-Alibad, A.A. Roofchaee, Z. Shahneh, S. Pirali, (2010): Effect of
Periodically Use of Garlic ( Alliumsativum ) Powder on Performance and Carcass
Characteristics in Broiler Chickens. World Academy of Science, Engineering and
Technology 68, 1213-1219.
Simon, P.W., M.M. Jenderek. (2003).Flowering, Seed Production, and the Genesis of Garlic
Breeding. Plant Breeding Reviews 23, 211-244
Stanaćev, V., N. Milošević, S. Kovčun, N. Plavša, S. Bjedov, V. Stanaćev, (2010) Effect of different
garlic levels in broiler chicken food on production parameters. Contemporary Agriculture 59,
86-91.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

UTILIZATION OF RICE OFFAL AS A RELPACEMENT FOR WHEAT OFFAL AS

DIETARY FIBRE SOURCE BY BROILER CHICKENS
1
Shuibu Inuwa and 2Yakubu Usman
1
Ministry of Agriculture, Bauchi, Bauchi State Nigeria
2
. Department of Animal Health, Bauchi State College of Agriculture.
Nigeria Corresponding Author: shu‘ibu [email protected]; Phone no:
08123729404
 ABSTRACT
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to dietary levels of
Rice offal as replacement to Wheat offal, using a completely randomized design, A total of
three hundred (300) day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks obtained from a commercial hatchery were used
for the experiment. Feed and water were supplied ad lib and the trial lasted for 4 weeks. In the
experiments. Rice offal replace Wheat offal as diet 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively, as 0 (diet 1), 25
(diet 2), 50 (diet 3), 75 (diet 4), and (diet 5)100% levels. However, a synthetic enzyme,
Roxazyme G, at 100g/kg feed was supplemented along with the offal. The Results showed no
significant influence (P<0.05) of diet on initial weight, total weight, final weight gain and
feed conversion ratio. However, performance traits significantly (P<0.05) differ among the
diets on total feed intake, daily feed intake, daily weight gain and week 4 weight gain
respectively. It was therefore concluded that Rice offal can replace Wheat offal with synthetic
enzyme supplementation up to 100% level in broiler chicken diets without compromising
performance.
Keywords: Commercial diets, Broiler chickens and performance.

INTRODUCTION
Poultry production is the management of some or other species of birds (as earlier
enumerated) mainly for economic and nutritional purposes. These are domesticated birds
reared for their flesh or meat. The production of table birds (broilers) has grown into a major
industry in many advanced countries. However, it is more specialized than egg production
(Oluyemi and Roberts, 2011). Hence, commercial table birds‘ industry is now largely based
on broilers. These are fast growing birds which reach market weight of 1.8 to 2.0kg in eight
or twelve weeks at most. They are referred to as meat chicken. Members of this group grow
rapidly and attain market weight within two (2) to three (3) months of age. Depending on the
size and age, a meat chicken can be further classified as fryer or a roaster. However, whether
a fryer or a roaster, all meat chickens are generally called broilers. They are sold and eaten
before they attain egg laying age. Alltech, (2018), also referred to castrated male chickens as
capons.
Sorghum, millet, maize offal, rice bran and wheat offal, millet bran, spent sorghum grain and
broken rice could be recommended as alternative sources of feed ingredients in poultry
diets.(Medugu et al.,2011). Several workers have emphasized the need for utilizing
alternative feed ingredients removed from human and industrial uses (Durunna et al., 1999;
Fanimo et al., 2007; and Nsa et al., 2007).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Experimental Site
The experiments were carried out at the Poultry Unit, Teaching and Research Farm,
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. The town, Bauchi, is located within the
southern guinea savannah on latitude 10.31 N and longitude 9.84 E. It is 616 metres above
sea level characterized a rainy season that commences in May and terminates in October and
a dry season that starts in November and ends in April. Mean annual rainfall is 1009 mm,

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

highest relative humidity 94% (August) and the lowest 35% (February). Temperatures are
between 13-17oC (December – February) and 36 – 37oC (March – April) (World Atlas,
2015).
Experimental diets
Five experimental starter diets containing 23% CP were formulated. Diet 1 which served as
the control contained 0% rice offal, while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 25, 50, 75 and 100%
levels of rice offal as replacement for wheat offal. The ingredients were measured out and
mixed using a feed mill mixer to ensure homogeneity. Percentage composition of graded
levels of rice offal for wheat offal in broiler starter diets are presented in Tables 1.

Table 1: Ingredients Composition (%) and Calculated Analysis of Dietary Levels of Rice
Offal Supplemented with Raxozyme® Fed to Starter Broilers (1- 4 weeks) Diets
Ingredient 12345
 Maize 47.90 47.90 47.90 47.90 47.90 Full-fat soya bean 19.23 19.23 19.23 19.23
19.23 Groundnut cake 14.37 14.37 14.37 14.37 14.37 Wheat offal 10.00 7.50 5.00
2.50 0.00
Rice offal 0.00 2.50 5.00 7.50 10.00 Fish meal 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Bone meal
2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Limestone 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Salt (NaCl) 0.25 0.25
0.25 0.25 0.25 Premix* (Starter) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Methionine 0.30 0.30 0.30
0.30 0.30 Lysine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Calculated analysis (%)
ME (Kcal/kg) 2840.00 2851.00 2862.00 2873.00 2884.00 Crude Protein 22.98 22.83
22.72 22.61 22.50 Crude Fibre 3.62 3.72 3.82 3.92 4.02 Ether Extract 6.76 6.99 7.22 7.45
7.67 Calcium 1.61 1.60 1.59 1.58 1.57 Phosphorous 0.73 0.74 0.75 0.76 0.77 Methionine
0.64 0.65 0.66 0.67 0.68 Lysine 1.28 1.28 1.29 1.29 1.30 ME; Metabolizable energy
Experimental Design
The birds were weighed to determine their initial weights and randomly allotted to five
experimental diets in 3 replicates of 20 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD).
(Steel and Torrie, 1990).
Experimental birds and their management
A total of three hundred (300) day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks obtained from a commercial
hatchery were used for the experiment. Prior to the commencement of the experiment, the
study pens were cleaned washed, disinfected and fumigated. Similar treatment was also made
on the feeders, drinkers and other equipment. A week after, wood shavings were spread on
the floor of the experimental pens to a depth of approximately 3 inches. Adequate
heating/lighting facilities, feeders, and drinkers were also provided.
After brooding the chicks for 2 weeks, where all recommended vaccinations were also made,
the birds were weighed to determine their initial weights. Feed and clean drinking water were

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

served ad libitum throughout the 56-day trial period. Birds were also given the second dose of
Infectious Bursal Disease vaccine (Gumboro vaccine) (Booster) on the 21st day and another
of NCDV a week after. All vaccines and drugs were orally administered.
Data Collection
Performance parameters
Feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain, initial weight and
final weight were the performance parameters monitored during the study period. Initial live
weights of chickens were taken at the beginning of experiment, thereafter, weekly weights
were determined. These were in turn used to calculate the daily weight gain (DWG). Daily
mean feed intakes were also determined by subtracting the weight of left-over feed from the
quantity offered the previous day. Feed conversion ratio on the other hand, was calculated
from the relationship;
Where FCR= feed conversion ratio, FI= feed intake and WG= weight
gain. Mortalities were recorded for each treatment throughout the feeding
trial

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The performance of broiler chickens fed dietary levels of rice offal as replacement for wheat
offal were presented in Table 2. Results for productive performance did not reveal any
significant influence of diet, except for body weight at 4 weeks. Initial weight of birds ranged
between 233.33 g on diets 2 and 4 to 246.67 g on diet 5. Body weight of broiler chickens at
the end of starter phase (4 weeks) was significantly (P<0.05) lower on diet 1 (645.13 g) than
on all other diets (711.85 – 737.15 g) which were the same
During the starter phase, daily feed intake and daily weight gain were significantly (P<0.05)
affected. Daily feed intake was higher on diets 3 (52. 45 g) and 4 (51.57 g) and lower on diet
1 (45.45 g). However, diets 2 (49.23 g) and 5 (49.91 g) did not differ from 1, 2 and 3. Daily
weight gain was lower (P<0.05) on diet 1 (14.50g) and higher on other diets (17.08 – 17.52
g). Feed conversion ratio, 2.82 to 3.15 on diets 2 and 1 respectively, did not differ among
diets, while mortalities of 2 (diet), 2 (diet 2), 1 (diet 3) and 1 (diet 5) birds were recorded
during this growth segment. The significant (P<0.05) effect of diet on total feed intake, daily
 feed intake and daily weight gain obtained in this experiment, supports the findings of
Supriyati et al. (2015) using fermented rice bran in broiler chicken diets. The decreased feed
intake in the rice bran based diets could be attributed to the higher crude fibre content of the
diet. According to Gonzalez-Alvarado et al. (2007), increased crude fibre content of the diet
decreases feed consumption of broiler chickens.
Table 2: Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Rice Offal as
Replacement for Wheat Offal (g/bird)
Diets
Parameters 1 2 3 4 5 SEM Productive performance
Initial weight (g) 239.17 233.33 235.83 233.33 246.67 9.53 NS Week 4 weight (g)
645.13b722.22a714.58a711.85a737.15a14.53* Total weight gain (g) 884.30 955.56 950.41 945.18
983.82 98.03 NS Starter phase (1 – 4 weeks)
Total feed intake (g) 1272.60b1378.44ab 1468.60a1443.96a1397.48b 57.31* Daily feed intake (g)
45.45b 49.23ab 52.45a 51.57a 49.91ab 2.81* Daily weight gain (g) 14.50b 17.46a 17.09a 17.08a
17.52a 1.00* Feed conversion ratio 3.15 2.82 3.08 3.03 2.85 0.27NS Mortality (No.) 2 2 1 0 1 -
abc
Means bearing different superscripts within the same row differ; * = (P<0.05); NS= Not
significant; SEM = Standard Error of Means

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded and recommended that; Rice
offal can replace dietary wheat offal in broiler chicken rations without any deleterious effect
on performance parameters. Rice offal supplemented with enzyme can replace wheat offal in
broiler chicken diets up to 100% without adverse effect on performance, therefore Rice offal
can be used in place of wheat offal in broiler starter ratios. Raxozyme G® enzyme is
recommended at inclusion level of 100g/kg feed in broiler chicken diets at starter phase.

REFERENCE
Alltech, (2018). How do you measure performance in poultry industry? Retrieved April 27,
2019 from https://www.alltech.com/blog/how-do-you-measure-performance
poultryindustry.
Durunna, C.S., Udedibie, A.B.I. and Anyanwu, G.A. (1999). Combination of maize/sorghum
dried brewers‘ grain, cocoyam cob and cassava tuber meal as substitute for maize in
the diets of laying hens. Journal of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Environment, 2:1
– 7.
Fanimo, A.O., Adebayo, A.J., Oduguwa, O.O. and Biobaku, W.O. 2007. Feeding value of
cashew testa for broiler chickens. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 34(1): 83 –
93
Gonzalez-Alvarado, J. M., Jiminez-Moreno, E., Lazaro, R. and Mateos, G. G. (2007). Effect
of type and cereal, heat processing of the cereal, and inclusion of fibre in the diet on
productive performance and digestive traits of broilers. Poultry Science, 86:1705 –
1715.
Medugu, C.I Raji, A.O. Igwebuike, J. U. and Barwa, E. (2011). Alternative cereal grains
and cereal by-products as sources of energy in poultry diets- A review. Research
Opinions In animal and veterinary sciences Print ISSN 2221-1896, Online ISSN
2223-0343www.roavs.com
Nsa, E.E., Okereke, C.O. and Okon, B. 2007. Effects of supplementary green feedstuffs on
growth performance, internal organs development and abdominal fat deposition in
finisher broiler chickens. Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of Nigerian
Society for Animal Production (NSAP), 18th – 21st March, 2007. University of
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Pp: 230 – 233
Oluyemi J. A. and F.A Roberts (2011). Poultry Production in Warm Wet Climates.
Macmillan press, London. Pp. 31.
Suprayati, T. H., Susanti T. and Susana, I. W. R. (2015). Nutritional value of rice bran
fermented by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Humic substances and its utilization as a
feed ingredient in broiler chickens, Asian-Australian Journal of animal science,
28(2):231 – 238.
 Steel, R.G.D. and Torrie, J.H. (1990). Principles and Procedures of Statistics. 2nd Edition,
McGraw-Hill Book Co Inc., New York. Pp.23
World Atlas (2015): Where is Bauchi. Retrieved September 14, 2018 from
https://www.worldatlas.com/af/ng/ba/where-is-bauchi.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

EFFECT OF GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM), GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE),

AND THEIR COMBINATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER BIRDS

Egbewande, O.O., Ibrahim, H.G., Idris, Y. and Kabiru, S.

Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University,
Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber
officinale), and their combination as immune booster on performance of broiler chickens. In a
completely randomized design a total of one hundred and fifty (150) day old broiler chicks of
Marshall Strain were randomly allotted into three replicates of 10 chicks/replicate (n = 30) used for
the experiment. Four experimental diets were formulated in such a way that control diet (T1)
contained neither ginger nor garlic. Birds in T2 were fed diet containing 2% garlic, while those in T3
were fed 2% ginger. Birds in T4 were fed combination of 1% of garlic and 1% ginger. Birds in T1
were administered vaccines (Lasota and Gumboro), while the rest treatments were not vaccinated. The
experiment lasted eight weeks. Results showed that there were no significant differences in all the
performance parameters measured except in feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed in T4 had the best
(1.82) feed conversion ratio, while the least (2.00) was recorded in birds fed garlic (T2). Birds fed
combination of the test ingredients had the best (2003.21g) final body weight, followed by those fed
control diet (T1) (1907.83g), while the least (1885.47g) was recorded in those fed garlic (T3). No
mortality was recorded in birds fed combination of garlic and ginger while, those fed control diet had
the highest. It can be concluded that the test ingredients improved the immune system of the birds.
Key words: Performance, garlic, ginger, immune, broiler

INTRODUCTION Antibiotic growth promoters (ABGPs) have been intensely used in broilers diets
to improve their productivity. However, many countries have currently banned the use of these
growth promoters (drugs and antibiotics) due to the side effects on animals and humans
(Khachatourian, 1998). Search for alternatives to the growth promoters has arisen in animal
production practices, especially in the use of additives of plant origin which are natural and safe to
consumers (Soliman, 2003). Garlic and ginger can be used as natural growth promoters for their
antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, anti protozoal, immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory,
hypoglycemic and cardiovascular protecting effects (Zhang et al., 2009). It was on the above that the
study investigated the effect of garlic, ginger and their combination on the performance of broiler
chickens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Experimental site The experiment was conducted at the Poultry
Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai Niger State.
The area is located in the Guinea Savannah, Middle Belt of Nigeria. It lies on longitude 9.02oN and
latitude 6.3oE of the equator with an average temperature range of 21oC – 36.5oC and a rainfall range
of 1100-1600mm (Usman, 2013). Source and processing of test ingredients
Garlic and ginger were purchased at Kure Modern Market in Minna, Niger State. Garlic bulbs were
peeled manually and both (ginger and garlic) were cut into smaller pieces after the removal of fibrous
material (ginger) and dry scales (garlic). They were crushed using pestle and mortar, and later air
dried. After drying, they were ground, passed through 1mm sieve and later mixed with other
 ingredients.
Experimental diets
Four diets containing approximately 23 and 21% crude protein in starter and finisher diets
respectively were formulated for the experiment (Table 1). The Metabolizable energy for both starter
and finisher diets was 2877.37 and 2917.04kcal/kg respectively. The diets were formulated in such a
way that control diet (T1) contained neither ginger nor garlic. Birds in T2 were fed diet containing 2%

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

garlic, while those in T3 were fed 2% ginger. Birds in T4 were fed combination of 1% of garlic and
1% ginger.

Table 1: Gross composition of broiler starter and finisher diets

Ingredient (%) Starter Finisher Control Garlic Ginger Combination Control Garlic Ginger Combination Maize
54.40 52.40 52.40 52.40 56.40 54.40 54.40 54.40 Groundnut cake 31.90 31.90 31.90 31.90 26.40 26.40 26.40 26.40
Wheat offal 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 10.50 10.50 10.50 10.50 Fish meal 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 Bone
meal 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Limestone 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Premix 0.50 0.50
0.50 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Common salt 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Lysine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
0.10 0.10 0.10 Methionine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Garlic 0.00 2.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 1.00
Ginger 0.00 0.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 2.00 1.00 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Calculated:
Crudeprotein(%) 23.60 23.90 23.90 23.67 20.69 20.93 20.93 20.94 Metabolizable
energy (kcal/kg) 2903.06 2893.94 2893.94 2878.07 2869.71 2859.91 2859.93 2860.34 T1 = control diet, T2 =
diet + garlic, T3 = diet + ginger, T4 = diet + garlic + ginger

Experimental birds and management One hundred and twenty day old broiler chicks were used for
the study. In a completely randomized design (CRD), the birds were divided into four treatments of
30 birds each and 10 chicks per replicate. Prior to the arrival of the chicks, the pens were washed and
disinfected using Izal®solution and the floor of the pen was covered with wood shavings. The
experiment lasted eight (8) weeks. On arrival, the chicks were served experimental diets and clean
water containing anti-stress (Vitalyte®). The chicks were allocated into four treatments (T1, T2, T3
and T4). On the 10th day, chicks fed control (T1) were administered Infectious Bursal Diseases (IBD)
(Gumboro) vaccine via drinking water, and on the 21st day, they were administered Newcastle
Disease Vaccine (Lasota) via drinking water. On the 35th day, the infectious bursal disease vaccine
was repeated. At the fourth week, Coccidiostat (Amprollium®) was administered for 3-5 days. The
above vaccines were administered only to the chicks in T1.
Data collection
Feed intake was recorded on weekly basis. It was the total amount of feed consumed by the birds
within the week minus the left over at the end of the week. The birds were weighed on weekly basis.
Initial weight was subtracted from the final weight to get the body weight gain.
Feed conversion ratio was calculated at the end of each week as:

()
()
The number of birds that were alive at the expiration of the experiment was recorded and expressed as
percentage (%) of the total number of stocked birds.
()

Statistical analysis
Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) according to the
procedure of Steel and Torrie (1980). The significant means were separated using
Duncan's Multiple Range Test (Duncan, 1955) at 5% probability level.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 2 showed the results of the performance characteristics of
broiler chickens fed garlic, ginger and their combination. Birds in T4 recorded no mortality while the
highest mortality was recorded in T1. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences among the
 treatments in all the parameters studied in this trial except the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds in
T4 had the best (1.82) feed conversion ratio, followed by those in T1 (1.95), T3 (1.96), and lastly by
those in T2 (2.00) as far as this study is concerned. Birds in T4 had the highest (2003.21g) final
weight gain and mean daily body weight gain of 35.77g, followed by birds in T1 (1907.83g) with
mean daily body weight gain of 34.07g. Birds in T3 had the lowest mean final weight of 1885.47g
with mean daily body weight gain of 33.82g. Birds in T2 had the highest (3778.91g) feed intake
while, those in T4 had the lowest (3653.90g). The mean daily feed intake followed the same pattern as
in feed intake.

Table 2: Performance characteristics of broilers fed test ingredients as immune booster

Parameter (g) Control Garlic Ginger Combination p value Initial body weight 37.00 36.00 35.00 34.00
0.69 Final weight 1907.83 1894.06 1885.47 2003.21 0.35 Mean daily body weight gain 34.07 33.82
33.67 35.77 0.44 Mean Feed intake 3721.79 3778.91 3686.56 3653.90 0.77 Mean daily feed intake
66.46 67.48 65.83 63.46 0.55 Feed conversion ratio (FCR) 1.95b2.00c1.96b1.82a0.04 Survival (%)
86.67 93.33 93.33 100.00 - abc: Means with different superscripts are significantly (p<0.05) different. T1 =
control diet, T2 = diet + garlic, T3 = diet + ginger, T4 = diet + garlic + ginger

The supplementation of garlic and ginger diets fed alone in the birds does not exert any significant
effect on FCR as compared to control. Results obtained in this study for the final weight showed that
combination of garlic and ginger (T4) improved the growth of the birds at the inclusion rate better
than treatments where ginger and garlic were used singly. These results contradicted the findings of
Aji et al., (2011) who has reported non-significant effect of garlic on FCR. These results did not
corroborate with the reports of Ademola et al. (2009) and Thayalini et al. (2011), who did not observe
any significant improvement in the feed conversion ratio of broilers fed on a diet containing ginger
powder as compared to the control group. The mean feed intake of the experimental birds showed no
significant (p>0.05) differences. It showed that there was no effect of smell or taste of garlic and
ginger on the palatability of feed in the broiler diets. Total body weight gain (g) of experimental birds
fed with combination of garlic and ginger T4 showed higher value as compared to other treatments.
Similar and slightly different results were reported by Zhang et al. (2009). Improvement in final
weight and mean daily body weight gain of broiler chicks fed combination of garlic and ginger might
be due to the active components in the test ingredient which stimulate digestive enzymes and improve
overall digestion and thus led to increase of both parameters. Survival percent showed that the
antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-protozoal and antifungal properties of both ginger and
garlic were in action. These agreed with the reports of Rahman (2001) and Ogbuewu et al. (2019) that
both ingredients lowered mortality and increase livability.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

It was concluded that the use of garlic, ginger and the combination of garlic and ginger can be used to
improve growth performance of broiler birds at 20g/kg of feed, and reduced mortality rate. Though
there were no statistically significant differences observed among the birds fed the different diets, but
T4 (combination of garlic and ginger) recorded no mortality, and higher final weight compared to T1,
T2 and T3, it is therefore, recommended that combination of garlic and ginger be used to improve
broiler growth. However, further research work is recommended.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

REFERENCES Ademola, S.G., Farinu, G.O. and Babatunde, G.M. (2009). Serum lipid, growth and
haematological parameters of broilers fed garlic, ginger and their mixtures. World J. Agric. Sci., 5: 99-
104.

Aji, S.B., Ignatius, K., Ado, Y.A., Nuhu, J.B., Abdulkarim, A., Aliyu, U., Gambo, M.B., Ibrahim,
M.A., Abubakar, H., Bukar, M.M., Imam, H.M. and Numan, P.T. (2011). Effects of feeding
onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) on some performance characteristics of
broiler chickens. Res. J. Poult. Sci., 4(2): 22–27.
Duncan, D. B. (1955). Multiple Range and Multiple F-tests Biometrics 11: 1-42. Khachatourian, G.G.
(1998). Agricultural use of antibiotics and the evolution and transfer of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Can. Med. Assoc. J. 159: 1129-1136.
Ogbuewu, I.P., Okoro, V.M., Mbajiorgu, E.F. and Mbajiorgu, C.A. (2019). Beneficial effects of garlic
 in livestock and poultry nutrition – A review. Agricultural Research, 8: 411- 426. Rahman, K. (2001).
Historical perspective on garlic and cardiovascular disease. J. Nutr., 131: 977- 979.
Soliman, A.Z.M. (2003). Effect of Marjoran bacitracin active yeast as feed additive on the
performance and microbial content of the broiler intestinal tract. Egypt Poult. Sci. J., 23(11):
445-467.
Steel, R. G. D. and Torrie, J. H. (1980). Principles and Procedures of Statistics. A Biometrical
Approach.
(2nd ed.), McGraw-Hill Publications. New York.
Thayalini, K., Shanmugavelu, S., Saminathan, P.M., SitiMasidayu, M.S., Nor Idayusni, Y.,
Zainuddin, H., Nurul Akmal, C.A. and Wong, H.K. (2011). Effects of Cymbopogon citratus
leaf and Zingiber officinale rhizome supplementation on growth performance, ileal
morphology and lactic acid concentration in broilers. Malay. J. Anim. Sci. 14: 43–49.
Usman, B.A. (2013). Vulnerability and adaptation capability of the rural poor to climate change.
Effect in Kwara State, Nigeria. Lapai Sociological Review, 4(1): 142-162
Zhang, G.F., Yang, Z.B., Wang, Y., Yang, W.R., Jiang, S.Z. and Gai, G.S. (2009). Effects of ginger
root (Zingiber officinale) processed to different particle sizes on growth performance,
antioxidant status and serum metabolites of broiler chickens. Poult. Sci., 88: 2159-2166.

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

PERFORMANCE OF GROWER CROSS BRED RABBITS OF FED FONIO (DIGITARIA

EXILIS) OFFAL AS FIBRE SOURCE
1
Sudik, S. D. and 2Ajiji, I.
1
Department of Animal Science, Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria
2
Department of Animal Health and Production, College of Agriculture, Garkawa
Corresponding author‘s email: [email protected] Mobile phone: +2348065633451

ABSTRACT
The over relying on wheat offal and in lesser cases maize or rice offal as fibre source in feed
formulation particularly for mongastrics livestock threatens some locally available offals which
perhaps could have provide alternatives. Therefore, to search for alternative, this study was conducted
to determine the performance of grower rabbits of cross breed fed fonio (Digitaria exilis) offal as
fibre source. Five diets (designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were formulated. The content of wheat
offal (WO) was replaced with fonio offal (FO) by 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively. The
0% (T1) served as control. Twenty five (25) grower rabbits of cross breed at 5 weeks old were used.
They were distributed randomly into the five diets. Each diet had 5 rabbits and each rabbit represents
 a replicate. Rabbits fed on T5 had highest (p<0.05) total weight gain (TWG), daily weight gain
(DWG) and best feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed on T4, T3, T2 and T1. Similarly, those
fed on T4 and T3 had higher (p<0.05) weight gains and FCR than those fed on T2 and T1 while those
fed on T2 had similar (p>0.05) with those fed on T1. Total feed intake and daily feed intake were
similar (p>0.05) among treatments. There was no mortality. It may be concluded that FO can totally
replace WO in grower rabbits‘ diet without negative effect performance. Therefore, FO is
recommended as alternative for WO.

Keywords: fonio offal, Fibre source, Performance, Grower rabbits, Wheat offal.

INTRODUCTION
Rabbits consume many kinds of feeds satisfactorily including green feeds, dry roughages, and
concentrate feeds (NAS, 2019; Owoleke et al., 2016). Rabbits have preference to the green feeds
because of the high succulent and palatability but most green feeds (grasses and legume) are usually
seasonal (NAS, 2019). A high carbohydrate concentrate added to roughages increases energy density
while high protein supplement helps in meeting the recommended protein requirements (NAS, 2019).
Like ruminants, the presence of fermentation vat in rabbits though distal the digestive tract make it
possible to utilize high dietary fibre (Zsolt et al., 2011). Zsolt et al. (2011) reported that dietary fibre
constitutes 40-50% of total diet of rabbits. The high proportion of dietary fibres in the diet and the
lesser cost of fibre resources make cost of feed of rabbit lower in comparison to poultry and swine‘s
feeds. Studying the potentials of locally available resources would provide more alternatives and
sustain growing interest particularly in rabbit production. One of such locally ingredients is fonio
offal. Fonio offal is a by-product of fonio (also known as hungry rice) grains (Digitaria exilis)
obtained when producing fonio flour or preparing other fonio foods. Two varieties of fonio are found
in Nigeria and are natively called ―acha‖ (Digitaria exils) and ―iburu‖ (Dgitaria iburua) (Gyang and
Wuyep, 2005). Folio affal contains 11.02% crude fibre (Sudik and Gofwan, 2017) similar to 11% of
wheat offal (USDA, 2012). An FAO e-conference on ‗food waste to animal feed‘ stressed the need to
convert food wastes to animal feed (Thieme and Makkar, 2016). The aim of this study is; to determine
the performance of grower rabbits of cross breed fed fonio (Digitaria exils) offal as dietary fibre
source.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was conducted at the Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa. Garkawa is
located in the Southern Zone of Plateau State, coordinated within latitude 8.8955oN and longitude
9.4537oE. It is characterized of Guinea Savanna climatic condition and vegetation patterns
(Wikipedia, 2019).
The test ingredient was collected from fonio (acha) milling house in Bogoro town of Bogoro Local
Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Five diets (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were formulated. The

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

content of wheat offal (WO) in the diets was replaced with fonio offal (FO) by 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%
and 100%, respectively. The 0% diet served as control. The diets were formulated to meet the nutrient
requirements of grower rabbits described by Zsolt et al. (2011). Twenty five (25) grower rabbits of
cross breed at 5 weeks old were purchased from a reputable Rabbit Farm in Jos, Plateau State. They
were randomly divided into 5 treatments. Each treatment had 5 rabbits and each rabbit represent a
replicate because each hutch could not accommodate more than one rabbit. The rabbits were
individual housed in a 60 cm by 45 cm hutch equipped with feeder and drinker. They were served
with their respective dietary treatments and drinking water ad libitum. They were dewormed with
ivermetin in the first week of the experiment and coccidiostat was occasional administered as
prophylactic against coccidiosis. The experiment lasted for 42 days.
At the beginning of the study the rabbits‘ weights were taken using a sensitive scale graduated in
0.001 to determine the initial weights and thereafter, at weekly interval to determine weekly live
weight. The difference in weight between two conservative weeks gave the weekly weight gain. Daily
weight gain was determined by dividing the cumulative weekly weights by 42. Feed intake was
monitored daily using the same sensitive scale by subtracting the left-over from the quantity of feed
supplied the previous day. Daily feed intake was determined by dividing the cumulative daily feed
consumed by 42. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was derived as the ratio of feed consumed to weight
gain.
Data generated was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the SPSS version 25.0
and significance of differences among treatments was determined using Duncan multiple range test of
the same software.
 Table 1: Composition and calculated nutrients (%) of experimental diets
Ingredients T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 Maize 32.50 32.50 32.50 32.50 32.50 Wheat offal 45.00 33.75 22.50
Fonio offal 0.00
11.25 0.00 11.25 22.50 33.75 45.00 Soybean 15.50 15.50 15.50 15.50 15.50
Groundnut cake 5.30 5.30 5.30 5.30 5.30 Limestone 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 Salt 0.50 0.50 0.50
ME(kcal/) 2500.79
0.50 0.50 Protein % 16.00 16.11 16.25 16.33 16.42 2510.47 2522.67 2536.36
2544.14 Crude fibre 10.00 10.08 10.10 10.12 10.13 Lysine 0.65 0.67 0.69 0.70 0.73 Methionine 0.45
0.45 0.47 0.48 0.50 Calcium 0.40 0.40 0.41 0.41 0.42 Phosphorus 0.22 0.23 0.24 0.25 0.25 ME =
metabolizable energy.

RESULTS
Table 2 shows the performance of grower rabbits of cross breed fed fonio (Digitaria exilis) offal as
fibre source. Rabbits fed on T5 and T4 (p<0.05) had highest final weights while those fed on T1 and
T2 had lowest. Rabbits fed on T5 had highest (p<0.05) total weight gain (TWG) and daily weight gain
(DWG) than those fed on T4, T3, T2 and T1. Similarly, rabbits fed on T4 and T3 had better (p<0.05)
weight gains than those fed on T2 and T1 while those fed on T2 had similar (p>0.05) with those fed
on T1. Total feed intake and daily feed intake were similar (p>0.05) among treatments. Also, rabbits
fed on T5 had best (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed on T4, T3, T2 andT1; those
fed on T4 and T3 had better (P<0.0) than those fed T2 and T1 while those fed T2 had similar (p>0.05)
with those fed on T1. There was no record of mortality.

DISCUSSION
The significant (p<0.05) superior performance of the grower rabbits fed on 100% FO in regard to
weight gain and FCR is an indication that FO would completely replace WO without compromising

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NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (NSAP) 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DUTSIN-MA 2021 BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS

performance. This further indicates that FO may perhaps contain some nutrients that support growth
and feed conversion ratio which are lacking in WO. This corroborated with the report of Sudik and
Gofwan (2017) that FO contains higher level of sulfur amino acids (methionine and cysteine) than
most cereal offals. Methionine helps liver to process fat and is a methyl donor capable of giving off its
molecules needed for a wide variety of chemical and metabolic reactions inside the body, including
the manufacture of the amino acid taurine (EFRT, 2000). Cysteine is a major constituent of the
proteins, that make up hair, nails, and skin and is involved in major processes in the body (EFRT,
2000). The non-record of mortality buttressed that AO may be converted into feed without negative
effect. This support the report of Thieme and Makkar (2016) and FAO (2015) that food wastes make
excellent animals‘ feed resources.

Table 2: Performance of grower rabbits of cross breed fed acha offal as fibre source Parameters T1 T2
T3 T4 T5 Level of significant
Initial weight (kg) 1.81±0.07 NS
1.80±0.07 1.83±0.03 1.81±0.03 1.84±0.06

Final weight (kg) 2.85±9.14c2.90±7.55c2.94±6.99b3.03±3.67a3.09±4.28a*

Total weight gain(kg) 30.36±3.81a* 6.30±0.15 6.33±0.21 6.31±0.22
Daily weight gain (g)
Total feed intake (kg) 5.96±0.41 5.92±0.55 NS 150.10±10.12
Daily feed intake (g)
Feed conversion ratio 150.04±11.32 146.45±8.34 142.61±7.44
c c b ab
1.05±0.31 1.07±0.51 1.13±0.34 1.19±0.26 141.43±8.16 NS
1.28±0.18a* 6.00±0.10a5.76±0.13a5.64±0.21b5.01±0.13b4.64±0.
25.00±3.53c25.36±3.16c26.79±4.12b28.33±3.72ab 17c*

Means in the same column with different superscripts differed significantly, but similar superscripts
did not differ significantly: * significantly (P<0.05); NS= Non- Significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION
In this study no problems were encountered by a total replacement of WO with FO in regards to the
growth and feed conversion ratio of rabbits. Therefore, FO is recommended as alternative dietary
fibre source in grower rabbit‘s diets.
REFERENCES
EFRT (2000). Expert Consultation. European Food Research and Technology. Publisher Springer,
Berlin/Herdiberg, 211: 2
FAO (2015). Food outlook. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Rome, Italy.
http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4581e.pdf (accessed 21 March 2016).
Gyang, J. D. and Wuyep, E. O. (2005). Acha: The grain of life. A Bi-annual publication of the Raw
Materials Research and Development Council, 6 (1): 39-41.
NAS (2019). Nutrient requirements of rabbits. Second Revise Edition. National Academy of Sciences.
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Owoleke, O. E., Tanimomo, B. K., Adama , T. Z., Akanya, H. O., Alemede, I. C.Adeiza , M. A., and
Kolawole, V. O. (2016). Feed evaluation and growth performance of rabbits fed diets
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Shiru, M. S. (2018). Trend analysis of droughts during crop growing seasons of Nigeria.
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Sudik, S. D. (2016). Nutrient distributions and biochemical studies of acha (Digitaria spp) in infant
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Sudik, S. D. and Gofwan, P. G. (2017). Fractional nutrient composition of acha (Digitaria exilis).
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