CRUDE PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF GROWING CHICKENS UNDER NIGERIAN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

A FEEDING trial was carried out with Warren cockerels to determine the minimum crude protein requirements of growing chickens (6 - 14 Weeks) under the Nigerian (tropical) environment. Three series of diets with protein levels ranging from 13 to 22 percent were used for this study. The first series consisted of unsupplemented all-plant protein diets, the second and third series were the all-plant protein diets supplemented with methionine or methionine plus fishmeal respectively. Satisfactory growth and feed conversion efficiency were observed with increasing concentration of protein, changes in body weight being similar to the pattern observed with the baby chicks fed the same protein levels (Njike 1978a). Maximum weight gain was achieved by chicks on unsupplemented rations containing 20 and 22 percent protein and on 18 % protein diets supplemented with methionine or methionine plus fish meal. The result clearly showed that there is no advantage in supplementing grower rations with fishmeal; the most economic ration is unsupplemented 18% protein diet The performance of chicks on unsupplemented 18% protein diet or 16% protein diet supplemented with methionine or methionine plus fishmeal are comparable and are protein levels of choice for growing chickens under tropical conditions like Nigeria.