Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Performance Characteristic Studies Of Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels Of Pigeon Pea (Cajanuscajan) As Replacement For Soya Bean (Glycine Max) Meal
by EDOKPAYI, I .M and OMOIKHOJE, S.O

Abstract:
An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance characteristics of broiler chickens fed graded levels of pigeon pea meal soaked in wood ash extract as replacement for soya bean meal. A total of 144 day-old (Anak 2000) broiler chickens were used for the experiment. Thirty six chicks were randomly selected based on their average initial weights to each of the four treatment diets. Each treatment group contained three replicates with twelve birds per replicate and each group was assigned to the four treatment diets in a complete randomized design (CRD). The chicks were fed commercial broiler starter diets for one week acclimatization period before the commencement of the feeding trial. The birds had access to the treatment diets and water ad labitum throughout the duration of the experiment. Routine medication, and vaccination were provided. Result on growth performance showed that average live weight, weekly and daily weight gain, weekly and daily feed intake were significantly (P<0.05) influenced with highest value among birds fed 50% SPPM for 72hrs. Carcass characteristics values revealed that relative weight of breast, brumsticks, thighs, wings and back were significantly (P<0.05) higher among birds maintained on 50% SPPM for 72hrs. Cost benefit analysis showed that highest income and Net profit were realised among birds maintained on 50% SPPM for 72hrs compared to other treatment. The results of this study showed that feeding broilers on 50% SPPM for 72 hours, based diets reduced the cost of feed recording a better improvement in performance with good carcass quality which translated to the highest net profit per bird. Therefore, it could be inferred that it is more economically viable to feed broiler with diets containing 50% SPPM at 72 hours soaking for optimum profit.

Keywords: Broiler chickens, Pigeon pea, Growth performance, Carcass, Cost benefit

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