EFFECT OF CATERPILLAR (BUNAEOPSIS AURANTIACA) MEAL AS A REPLACEMENT FOR FISH MEAL ON CARCASS AND SENSORY EVALUATON IN BROILER CHICKEN

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of Caterpillar (Bunaeopsis aurantiaca) as replacement for fish meal on carcass and sensory parameters of finisher broilers. A total of 150 four- week old broilers were randomly allocated to five experimental diets formulated to contain 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% caterpillar meal. There were 30 birds in each treatment which was replicated three (3) times with ten (10) birds per pen in a completely randomized design. Throughout the experimental period, feed and water were provided ad libitum for all treatment groups. Data were collected on carcass and sensory characteristics of the birds. Results revealed that live weight (2380.74-2654.67 g), dressing percentage (84.54-86.14 %) and breast weight (18.17-21.34 %), and all the sensory parameters measured were not statistically (P>0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. The study concluded that up to 60% Caterpillar (Bunaeopsis aurantiaca) meal can be included as
replacement for fish meal in the diets of finisher broilers without adverse effect on carcass and sensory parameters of birds.