CONTENT PAGE

INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………….………….2

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES ……………………………………………………………………3

LITERATURE REVIEW ……………………………………………………………………....3

CONTRIBUTION OF THE RESEARCH TO THE GENERAL AREA ……………………………5

PROPOSED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ………………………………………….……...6

RESEARCH OUTCOMES ………………………………………………………………….…..8

RESEARCH PLAN AND OUTLINE …………………………………………………….………8

RESEARCH TIME TABLE …………………………………………………………….………10

REFERENCE …………………………………………………………………………..………12

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ASSESSING GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED
WITH LOCALLY FORMULATED GROWER FINISHER DIET CONSISTING OF CASSAVA, COPRA MEAL
AND GREEN LEAVES.

CHAPTER 1.0. INTRODUCTION

The increasing cost of broiler chicken feeds (Broiler starter and Finisher) in Papua New Guinea
(PNG) poses a significant challenge in poultry production. Broiler chickens remain the fastest
source of animal protein because of their rapid growth, ability to utilize feed efficiently and
quick turn-over rate (Jiya et al., 2014). Local farmers pointing to surge production to supply local
markets, business houses and for self-consumption is becoming an everyday downside issue and
it is leading farmers to explore alternative feed resources that are cost-effective and nutritionally
adequate. In PNG most of the conventional feed ingredients are imported and therefore are
relatively expensive (Maxwell et al., 2014). The feed production sector in PNG is not localized,
as most of the raw materials are sourced externally. This situation creates a heavy dependency on
the more expensive imported products such as sorghum and wheat to produce compounded
animal feed (Ahizo, Stanley, Arthur, Fred, Pandi, Pikah and Phil, 2015). The rising cost of feed
has accumulated with freight costs particularly in the New Guinea Islands region and also
Western Province which has had more burden to farmers to strategize and plan effectively
relating the feed costs.

This research focuses on assessing the growth performance of broiler chickens at the finishing
stage using cassava combined with other locally available feed ingredients, copra meal and green
leaves. Utilizing cassava, which is widely available and economically viable, can optimize
feeding strategies while maintaining growth rates. Past researcher’s (Ahizo J., Amben S., Roberts
A., Besari F., Pandi J., Kohun P. and Glatz P. 2015. Feed Conversion and Growth of Broiler
Chickens fed Cassava blended with a Universal Concentrate diet during the finishing-phase: an
On-farm study in Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea. Journal of South Pacific Agriculture 18
(2):19-26. ) identified and confirmed that cassava among other wide scale of feed stuff are
abundant and nutritionally feasible for animals and human consumption as well. Cassava is a
high yielding starchy root crop of the tropics (Essers et al., 1994 cited by Tesfaye et al., 2013)
and its wide acceptability in the tropics makes it a possible alternative to cereals as feed for
poultry (Tesfaye et al., 2013). From observations in PNG, cassava crops have been used
throughout the history and traditionally fed to animals by our ancestors which had greater
contribution to the development and improvement of the livestock to commercial sustainability.

This study will evaluate the growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chickens at finisher
stage from weeks 5 to 7 weeks of maturity measuring Feed Intake (FI), Live Weight (LW), Weight
gain (Wg) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). This research will be implemented at the PNGUNRE
Livestock Farm in East New Britain province in the New Guinea Islands region.

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CHAPTER 2.0. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

 To evaluate the growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chickens on formulated
finisher cassava diet
 To analyze the carcass characteristics (e.g. weight yield and quality) of broilers fed cassava –
blended versus commercial feed.
 To assess the economic feasibility of using cassava – blended feed as an alternative to
commercial feed in broiler production.

CHAPTER 3.0. LITERATURE REVIEW

Broiler chicken production is a significant sector in the poultry industry, with nutrition playing a
crucial role in optimizing growth performance and carcass quality. Traditional broiler diets often
rely on soybean meal and maize, but alternative feed ingredients such as cassava, copra meal,
and green leaves are gaining attention due to their availability and cost – effectiveness in the
Pacific region and Papua New Guinea.

As alternative feed ingredients in poultry nutrition cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a widely root
crop known for its high carbohydrate content. It serves as an energy source in poultry diets but
requires processing to reduce anti-nutritional factors such as cyanogenic glycosides. Studies
indicate that cassava meal can replace maize partially or entirely without compromising broiler
performance when properly supplemented with protein (S.S. Diarra, D. Sandakabatu, D. Perera,
P. Tabuaciri & U. Mohammed (2015) Growth performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens
fed commercial finisher and cassava copra meal-based diets, Journal of Applied Animal
Research).

Copra meal, derived from coconut processing, is a protein-rich feed ingredient commonly used
in tropical poultry diets. It contains moderate levels of fiber and essential amino acids, making it
a viable alternative to soybean meal. However, its inclusion rate must be carefully managed to
prevent adverse effects on digestibility and feed conversion (S.S. Diarra, D. Sandakabatu, D.
Perera, P. Tabuaciri & U. Mohammed (2015). Green leaves, including leguminous forages and
other edible plant materials, provide additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
They contribute to gut health and overall feed efficiency, particularly in semi-intensive broiler
production systems (Dapanas, M. A. A. and Niepes, R. A. (2024).

Research comparing broilers fed cassava and copra meal-based diets versus commercial finisher
diets has shown mixed results. While birds on alternative diets may exhibit slightly lower weight
gain and feed conversion ratios, the cost-effectiveness of these diets makes them attractive for
small-scale poultry farmers (S.S. Diarra, D. Sandakabatu, D. Perera, P. Tabuaciri & U.
Mohammed (2015). Furthermore, studies suggest that dietary fiber from green leaves can
enhance gut health and nutrient absorption, potentially offsetting minor reductions in growth
performance (Dapanas, M. A. A. and Niepes, R. A. (2024). For the Carcass Quality and Meat

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Yield, Carcass characteristics, including dressing percentage, breast meat yield, and fat
deposition, are key indicators of broiler meat quality. Birds fed cassava and copra meal-based
diets tend to have lower abdominal fat content, which is desirable for lean meat production (S.S.
Diarra, D. Sandakabatu, D. Perera, P. Tabuaciri & U. Mohammed (2015) The inclusion of green
leaves may improve meat texture and oxidative stability due to their antioxidant properties
(Dapanas, M. A. A. and Niepes, R. A. (2024). Growth performance and meat quality of broiler
chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.)

Therefore the use of locally available feed ingredients such as cassava, copra meal, and green
leaves presents a sustainable approach to broiler nutrition. While some exchanges in growth
performance may occur, the economic benefits and potential improvements in meat quality make
these alternative diets viable for poultry production in resource-limited settings, however further
research will be done to optimize formulation strategies and enhance nutrient utilization.

The following comparative analysis of the nutrient composition will guide this research project
in order to carry out a precise and scientifically valid comparisons of the Local feed. This will be
balanced to match that of Commercial broiler standard feed.

The following table shows below outlines the average expected nutrients for both feeds (Local
and commercial).
Commercial Broiler
Nutrient Local Feed Feed
(Cassava, Copra Meal, Green
Leaves)
Crude Protein (%) 21 21
Metabolizable Energy
(kcal/kg) 3000 3000
Crude Fiber (%) 4.5 4.5
Calcium (%) 1 1
Phosphorus (%) 0.5 0.5
Lysine (%) 1.2 1.2
Methionine (%) 0.5 0.5
Fat (%) 5.5 5.5
Ash (%) 7 7
Source: (Ahizo J., Amben S., Roberts A., Besari F., Pandi J., Kohun P. and Glatz P. 2015.

Following table shows the differences of the core aspects for Commercial feed and Local feeds
as a reference and guide during the project research implementation.

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 Aspects Commercial Feed Local Diet
Protein Level Higher (18-20%) Moderate (16-18%)
Energy Level Higher (3100-3200 Kcal/kg) Lower (2800 -3000 Kcal/kg)
Fiber content Lower (6-7%) Higher (7-10%)
Main Energy Source Maize, Wheat Cassava, sweet potato
Main Protein source Soybean meal, fish meal Copra meal, moringa leaves
Cost Expensive More affordable

Key considerations will be carried out for this research project including;

 Nutrient Optimization and digestibility

The locally formulated diet will be designed to match that of commercial nutrient standards to
ensure a valid comparison. Special attention will be given to the digestibility of cassava, copra
meal and green leaves assessing their efficiency in nutrient absorption.

 Growth Performance & Feed Utilization

Broiler chickens fed both diets will be monitored for weight gain, feed intake, and feed
conversion ratio (FCR). The study aims to determine if local feed ingredients can sustain or
surpass the growth performance of commercial feeds.

 Carcass Quality Assessment

Meat quality traits such as dressing percentage, muscle yield, tenderness, and fat deposition will
be measured. Sensory evaluation will be conducted to ensure consumer acceptability of broilers
fed locally formulated diets.

 Economic Feasibility & Sustainability

Cost analysis will be performed to compare feed production costs, evaluating whether local feed
alternatives can provide economic benefits for poultry farmers. Environmental impact
considerations will be included to assess the sustainability of cassava, copra meal, and green leaf
utilization.

 Further Enhancement & Practical Applications

The research findings will contribute to improve nutrient utilization approaches, enabling
smallholder farmers to adopt locally available feed without compromising broiler productivity
potential changes to ingredient quantities and processing methods can be explored to improve
performance further.

Impact of this study for this research will have significant implications for poultry nutrition,
economic sustainability and food security by demonstrating whether locally available feed
ingredients can be a viable alternative to commercial feeds. If successful, it will reduce
dependency on imported feed, support national agricultural development, and provide practical
feeding guidelines for poultry producers.

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CHAPTER 4.0. CONTRIBUTION OF THE RESEARCH TO THE GENERAL AREA
This study significantly progresses the field of poultry nutrition and sustainable feed formulation
by examining the impact of locally available ingredients; cassava, copra meal, and green leaves,
on the growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chickens. By mixing local diets of feed
components, the research provides critical insights into alternative feeding strategies that
enhance poultry production efficiency while reducing high cost on expensive commercial feed.

The research makes a meaningful contribution to sustainable farming practices, addressing the
global demand for cost-effective and locally sourced feed alternatives. It offers practical
knowledge for poultry farmers, nutritionists, and feed developers, aiding decision-making
regarding dietary formulations that optimize broiler performance and meat quality.

Importance of this research outcomes and the findings of this study will enhance food security,
promote locally available feed resources, reducing reliance on imported feed ingredients and
improve economic sustainability for poultry farmers, particularly smallholder producers, by
lowering production costs.

Furthermore provide nutritional insights into the effects of cassava, copra meal, and green leaves
on broiler growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and carcass quality.

Practical Contribution: The study can lead to the formulation of new dietary guidelines for
broiler chickens, assisting poultry farmers in optimizing feed rations using accessible local
ingredients.

Theoretical Contribution: The research expands existing poultry nutrition models by

incorporating alternative feedstuff data, refining theoretical frameworks that predict growth
performance and carcass yield in broilers.

3.1. Potential Outcomes of the Research

Extension of a Theoretical Model: The study could contribute to refining poultry nutrition
models by introducing data on the digestibility and value of cassava, copra meal, and green
leaves as feed components.

Development of Practical Guidelines: The research can result in practical recommendations, such
as an optimized feed composition checklist for poultry farmers to enhance broiler production
efficiency.

This research has the potential to revolutionize feed formulation strategies in regions with
abundant local agricultural resources, offering sustainable solutions that balance economic
viability and production efficiency.

CHAPTER 5.0. PROPOSED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

4.1. Area of study

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 This experiment will be carried out at the PNG University of Natural Resources and
Environment campus at (40 21’1’’S/1520 0’25’’E) East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. The
university’s poultry farm will accommodate and cater for the birds. Cassava plant is easily and
abundantly present at the site, required copra mill also available nearby with green leaf as well.

4.2 .Study Population and Sample Size

Commercial broiler chicks (e.g., Ross 308 from NGTB or Cobb 500 from Zenag Farm) will be
sourced from reliable hatcheries which will be freighted from Lae via sales.

4.2. Experimental Birds & Pens

Chickens will be raised from day old up to week 5 with commercial broiler starter feed. At week
5, A total of 45 broiler chickens will be used for this study where chickens will be divided into
three groups (5 birds/pen) and replicated three times to test three treatment diets; commercial
diet, formulated cassava diet and Blended diet. Nine pens will be required for this study.

4.3. Experimental Procedures

Housing and Management: Birds will be raised under standard commercial brooding conditions
within the university farm, ensuring proper ventilation, hygiene, and biosecurity measures.
Calculation of the spacing will be done before placement prior week 5,

Feeding Schedule: Birds will be fed ad libitum throughout the study period. All the weeks from
brooding till 5 weeks of carful and close monitoring.

4.4. Feed Preparation and Diet Composition

This part will be further discussed and elaborated between my project supervisors to finalize. All
the procedures.

4.5. Data Collection

Experimental birds will be weighed and randomly allocated into their respective pens for the
feeding program to proceed. This will be done in week 5. Feed will be weighed daily and offered
to the chickens. Feed residual will be collected the following day to assess Feed intake and Feed
Conversion Ratio. Live weight of chickens will be carried out weekly for assessment of Weight
gain. Carcass data will be assessed at the end of the experiment in week 7.

4.6. Growth Performance Parameters Measured:

i. Body weight gain – will be recorded daily then accumulated to weekly, measured or recorded
early before feeding is done.
ii. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) –feed rates/bird/day will be calculated across all
pens before feeding and FCR calculation be done respectively
iii. Mortality rates (if any) – daily monitored
iv. Live weight at slaughter – Live weights will be acquired per bird
v. Carcass Quality Parameters Measured:

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  Dressing percentage – upon the weight from live weight calculation
 Breast muscle yield – will be measured and examined
 Fat deposition – will be measured and examined
 Meat tenderness and texture analysis - taste
vi. Organoleptic assessment (physical or sensory evaluation)
4.7. Statistical Analysis: Data will be collected and analyzed using statistical software (SPSS) to
determine significant differences in growth performance metrics between the three groups.

6.0. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Extension of a Theoretical Model: The study could contribute to refining poultry nutrition
models by introducing data on the digestibility and value of cassava, copra meal, and green
leaves as feed components.

Development of Practical Guidelines: The research can result in practical recommendations, such
as an improved feed composition checklist for poultry farmers to enhance broiler production
efficiency.

This research has the potential to develop feed formulation strategies in regions with abundant
local agricultural resources, offering sustainable solutions that balance economic viability and
production efficiency.

7.0. RESEARCH PLAN AND OUTLINE (USING A GANTT CHART )

Following is the plan and outline for this project title (Assessing Growth Performance and
Carcass Quality of Broiler Chickens Fed with locally formulated grower finisher diet
consisting of cassava, copra meal and green leaves). And the individual timeframe is settled
and planned for the activities which will be implemented for the fully completion of this part of
the project report.

1) Introduction/ Timeframe: One (1) week

Objectives;
 To evaluate the growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chickens on formulated
finisher cassava diet
 To analyze the carcass characteristics (e.g. weight yield and quality) of broilers fed cassava
blended versus commercial feed.
 To assess the economic feasibility of using cassava – blended feed as an alternative to
commercial feed in broiler production.

2) Literature Review /Timeframe: (2) Two weeks

Objective: Reviewing existing studies and research related to poultry feed ingredients, carcass
quality, and alternative feed sources.

 The role of cassava, copra meal, and green leaves in poultry diets.

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 Comparative studies on alternative feed vs. commercial feed.
 Nutritional benefits of cassava, copra meal, and green leaves for broilers.
 Studies on the growth performance of carcass quality at the finishing stage.

3) 3 Research Methodology/ Timeframe: (1) one week

Objective: Outlining the approach to conduct the study and describing the materials, methods,
and procedures.

 Research design (experimental design, sample size, and selection).

 Preparation of feeds (cassava, copra meal, green leaf mix, and commercial feed).
 Feed intake monitoring, growth performance measurements (weight gain, feed conversion
ratio, etc.).
 Data collection methods and tools.
 Carcass quality of the birds reaching the finishing stage
 Etc.

4) Results /Timeframe: (2) two weeks

Objective: Present the findings of the study in a structured forma tor the following areas
evaluated;

 Data on growth performance (weight gain, feed conversion ratio, etc.) of broilers.
 Feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR)
 Mortality rates (if any)
 Live weight at slaughter
 Carcass Quality Parameters Measured
 Dressing percentage
 Breast muscle yield
 Fat deposition
 Meat tenderness and texture analysis
 Organoleptic assessment

5) Discussion /Timeframe: 2 weeks

Objective: Analyzing and interpretation of the findings in the context of existing literature and
research questions.

 Interpretation of growth performance data.

 Comparative analysis of blended feed vs. commercial feed.
 Implications for poultry farming (cost-effectiveness, nutritional benefits, sustainability).
 Discussion of potential limitations in the study.
 Conclusion and Recommendations

6) Summary: Timeframe: 1 week

Objective: study’s findings and recommendations for further research or practical application.

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 Summary of key results.
 Conclusions drawn from the data and literature review.
 Practical recommendations for poultry farmers.
 Suggestions for future research.

7) References /Timeframe: 1 week

Objective: Compile all sources referenced throughout the thesis. Proper citation of all literature,
studies, articles, and data sources used in the thesis.

8) Appendices/ Timeframe: 1 week

Objective: Include additional supporting information (e.g., raw data, detailed tables, research
tools).
 Feed preparation recipes, detailed data tables, etc.

Following table showing the detailed summary of the time frame of the tasks per chapter of the
research experiment.

Reasearch Plan and outline/ Time table

Task Start Date Time Frame
introduction 13.06.2025 1 week
Literature Review 20.06.2025 2 weeks
research methodology 04.07.2025 1 week
Data Collecton & Results 11.07.2025 2 weeks
Discussion 25.07.2025 2 weeks
Summary and Recommendation 08.08.2025 1 week
Reference & Appendix 15.08.2025 1 week
Total weeks 10 weeks

This research plan and outline will aid in structuring this thesis in an organized, achievable, and
clear manner. Each section of the study is carefully planned to ensure smooth progress, with
realistic timelines for each stage of the research, note that few other points will be included once
the experiment is kicked start and from the discussions with the supervisor.

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 8.0. TIMETABLE FOR PROPOSED RESEARCH

This timeline ensures a structured and efficient approach to examining the growth performance
of broiler chickens fed cassava, copra meal, and green leaf blend compared to commercial broiler
feed at the finishing stage. Each phase is weighted based on complexity and expected workload,
with a realistic duration allocated.

Section Topics covered word limit weight(%) time allocation

Introdcution Backrgound on broiler nutrition 1500 - 2000 15% 4 weeks
significance of alternative feed sources
Problem ststement
objectives
research questions
literature review Overview of broiler nutrition, 3500 - 4500 25% 6 weeks
comparative studies on cassava, copram meal
copra meal, green leaf blend,
green leaf blend
previous research on feed alternatives
sustainability considerations
Materials and methods Experimental design details, , sampling methods,2000 - 2500 20% 5 weeks
Results & Data entrance feed composition analysis,
animal housing conditions, sampling methods,
data collection strategies, ethical considerations
Results & Data Analysis, Growth performance metrics 500- 3000 20 (%) 6 weeks
(weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality)
statistical evaluation (ANOVA, regression analysis)
cost-effectiveness comparisons,

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9.0. REFERENCE

 S.S. Diarra, D. Sandakabatu, D. Perera, P. Tabuaciri & U. Mohammed (2015) Growth

performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens fed commercial finisher and cassava copra
meal-based diets, Journal of Applied Animal Research.
 BlackID, YaluM.2010.Anex-antebenefit-costanalysisofthe impact of the research,
development and extension pro gramme that provided feeding strategies to improve the
profitability of village broiler production in Papua New Guinea. JSPacificAgric.14:23–27.
 Glatz PC. 2012. Sustainable small-scale poultry production: are local feeds a viable option for
the Pacific Region? Available from: http://knowledge.cta.int/.../Sustainable Small-Scale-
Poultry-Production-Are. Kim BG, Lee JH, Jung HJ, Han YK, Park KM, Han IK. 2001.
 Glatz, P.C., Black, I.D., Ayalew, W., Pandi, J.K., Hughes, R.J., Miao, Z.H., Wahanui, J., Jansen, T.,
Manu, V. and Rodda, B.K. (2010). Opportunities and sustainability of smallholder poultry
production in the South Pacific region. Australian Poultry Science Symposium 21: 145-152
 Beokholt, H. A., P. H. Van Der Grinten, V. V. A. M. Scheurs, M. J. N. Los, and C. P. Leffering.
1994. Effect of dietary energy restriction on retention of protein, fat and energy in broiler
chickens. Br. Poult. Sci. 35:603-614.

 Borin, K., J. E. Lindberg, and R. B. Ogle. 2006. Digestibility and digestive organ development
in indigenous and improved chickens and ducks fed diets with increasing inclusion levels of
cassava leaf meal. J. Anim. Physiol. An

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