Combinations of palm kernel cake, yam peels and plantain peels as alternative energy source in finisherbroilerdiets.

Abstract

Combinations of palm kernel cake (PKC), yam peels (YP) and plantain peels (PP)
were evaluated as alternative energy source in finisher broiler diets. Four
experimental finisher broiler diets were formulated such that diet T1 (control)
contained no PKC, YP and PP. Diets T2, T3 and T4 contained PKC, YP and PP
combined in the ratios 1:2:1, 1:1:2 and 2:1:1, respectively, replacing 50% of the
maize in the respective finisher broiler diets. These diets were randomly assigned to
eighty four, four week old unsexed Marshall Broilers in four groups of 21 birds each
and 3 replicates of 7 birds respectively, for 28 days. Results obtained indicated that
PKC contained higher crude protein and crude fibre (17.05 and 15.09%) and lower
nitrogen free extract (54.20%) than YP and PP. PP however, recorded the highest
value of nitrogen free extract (70.30%), and lowest ether extract value (2.06%).
Broilers fed diets T3 produced numerically higher but comparable (p>0.05) body
weight gain (1341.50 vs 1551.40g) and feed conversion ratio (2.40 vs 2.41) to those
on diet T1. Values for dressed carcass weights, thigh and back cuts produced by diet
T3 were also comparable (p>0.05) to that of diet T1. Breast and wing yield of birds
on diet T3 was nevertheless significantly (p<0.05) heavier than other groups. Diets
T1 produced significantly heavier gizzard and liver than other groups while
abdominal fat, heart and spleen weights produced by birds on diet T1 were
comparable (p>0.05) to those on diet T3.Diet T2 produced the poorest performance
in most of the parameters measured. Replacement of 50% maize in finisher broiler
diets with 1:1:2 combinations of PKC, YP and PP produced a 25.10% savings on
feed cost per kg and 24.79% savings on feed cost per kg body weight gain.