Cost-effectiveness and performance of broiler chickens fed enzyme fortified feather meal as a replacement for fish meal

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance of broiler chicks and chickens fed with enzyme fortified feather meal (EFFM) as replacement for fish meal (FM). One hundred and fifty (150) day old Ross 308 strain of broiler chicks were used for the starter phase and one hundred and fifty (150) four weeks old chicks were used for the finisher phase. The birds were randomly assigned to five treatment groups in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times. Treatment 1 contained 0% enzyme fortified feather meal, while treatment 2, 3, 4, and 5 contained 1, 2, 3, and 4% levels of EFFM respectively. Each level of EFFM was used to partially replace fish meal in the experimental diets. Results of initial live weights, final weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) but feed intake and feed conversion ratio differed significantly (P<0.05) for broiler starter chicks.Results obtained for broiler finisher followed similar trend as observed in the broiler starter phase. Live weight. final weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain did not differ significantly (P<0.05) but feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly different (P<0.05) between the treatment groups. However, replacement of fish meal with enzyme fortified feather meal in broiler diets at the inclusion level of 5% had no negative effect on the performance of the broilers. Hence, 4% level of inclusion is hereby suggested for optimum performance.