Performance of broiler chickens fed graded levels of tamarind pulp reared underhigh environmental temperature

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of tamarind pulp (Tamarindus indicus) on growth performance at the starter and finisher phase of broiler chicken under high ambient temperature. The study was carried out at the poultry unit of Federal University Gashua Teaching and Research farm, Yobe State. One hundred and eight (108) marshal day old broiler chicks were divided into 4 treatment groups replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. The test ingredient was fed at 0gTP/L, 30gTP/L, 35g TP/L and 40gTP/L for T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively in drinking water. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Results showed significant (P<0.05) differences in daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and water intake for both starter and finisher phases compared to control treatment. while significantly (p<0.05) higher mortality was recorded in birds fed 0g TP/L The result shows that inclusion level of up to 40gTP/L of tamarind pulp in drinking water will reduce the heat stress and rate of mortality.