Studies on Replacement Value of Raw Sandbox Seed Meal for Soybean Meal in Broiler Starter Diets

Abstract

A 21-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the replacement value of raw sandbox (Hura crepitans) seed meal for soybean meal in broiler starter diet. Four experimental broiler starter diets were formulated, such that the diets contained raw sandbox seed meal at 0, 5, 10 and 15% dietary levels. One hundred and eighty (180) birds were selected and divided into four groups of 45 each and randomly assigned to the four treatment diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment group was further subdivided into three replicates of 15 birds each and housed in a compartment measuring 8 × 10 meters. Water and feed were supplied ad-libitum. Data were collected on feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in feed intake and body weight gain among the treatment groups, but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups in feed conversion ratio. The group on 15% dietary level recorded the highest feed intake, while the group on 0% dietary level recorded the least feed intake. The group on 15% dietary level recorded the highest body weight gain, while the group on 0% dietary level recorded the least.The result of this study suggests that raw sandbox (Hura crepitans) seed meal can replace soybean and enhance the performance of broiler starter at 15% dietary level