Growth Performance of Broiler Birds Fed Varying Levels of Processed Rumen Contents in Their Diets

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess growth performance of broiler chicks to the inclusion of boiled and sun-dried rumen content (BSDRC) in the diets. Two hundred (200) day old Amo chicks were randomly distributed to five treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated four times with 10 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements for broiler chicks with inclusion of BSDRC at different levels: 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% represented by T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. Weekly feed intake, final body weight and weekly weight gain were recorded. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), was calculated. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. The result revealed that the weekly weight gain was ranged from 195.30g to 251.83g in the entire experimental period. Birds fed on T5 (195.30) had lowest weekly body weight gain. Final body weight was ranged from 2060.50 - 1608.50g. Birds fed on T5 (1608.50g) had lowest (p<0.05) final body weight. The mean weekly feed intake of birds ranged from 546.48g to 574.04g and no significant difference (P>0.05) observed across entire treatment groups for entire experimental period. The FCR ranged from 2.21-2.98 with the best feed conversion ratio observed in bird fed diet T2 (10%). Based on this result, it could be concluded that BSDRC meal can be included up to 10% in diet of broiler chicken without adverse effect on bodyweight gain, FCR and feed intake.