GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS EVALUATION OF BROILER CHICKENS FED FIVE DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL DIETS

Abstract

A feeding trial to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed different commercial diets sold in Bauchi metropolis was conducted. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were randomly allotted to five diets in replicates of three containing 16 birds each in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and the study lasted for six weeks. Overall performance indicated that birds on diets 2 (1974.84g) and 1 (1816.42g) had higher (P<0.05) total weight gain compared to those fed other diets. Daily feed intake was higher (P<0.05) on diets 2 (112.38g) and 4 (106.18g) and least on diet 3 (92.83g), while daily weight gain was higher on 2 950.64g) and 1 (46.57g) and least on diet 3 (31.62g). Feed conversion ratio was also better on diets 2 (2.23) and 1 (2.30) and poorer on diets 5 (3.06) and 3 (2.95). Results for carcass analysis showed higher (P<0.05) dressing percentage on diets 1, 2, 4 and 5 (69.59 – 74.52%) than on diet 3 (61.52%). Relative weight of abdominal fat was higher in birds fed diets 2 (1.52%), 5 (1.38%) 1 (1.31%) and 4 (1.29%) and least on diet 3 (0.49%). It was therefore concluded that commercial diets 1, 2, 4 and 5 gave better performance and carcass yield. Similarly, for better performance and carcass yield, diet 2 was recommended for broiler chicken farmers in Bauchi Metropolis