Chemical Composition of Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis) Seed Waste and Effects on Performance in Starting Broiler Chicks.

Abstract

The test ingredient bush mango seed waste (BMSW) was analysed for proximate composition and some mineral content. Thereafter a 4weeks feeding trial was carried out to estimate the ability of broiler chicks to utilize bush mango seed waste as a replacement for maize. The control had no BMSW while the subsequent treatment 2,3, and 4 had BMSW replacing maize at 25, 50 and 75% respectively. 120 birds were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRM) and each treatment in three replicates with ten birds each. The proximate and mineral composition reflected that the BMSW has crude protein that relatively compares to maize. The essential minerals needed for the growth and development of young chicks are all present like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. The highest final weight of broilers at the end of the four weeks trials was form those placed on 50% BMSW with value of 1.72kg which was not significantly different (P<0.05) from those on control diet with value of 1.19kg. The least final weight recorded was from birds on 75% BMSW with value of 0.54kg. The broiler chickens showed significant (P<0.05) difference in average weekly and daily feed intake. Similarly the weekly and daily weight gain was also significantly (P<0.05) affected by the treatment diets. The highest weight gain of 61.43g was from 50% BMSW diet followed by control diet with 42,38g and least value of 20.95g was recorded from birds on 75% BMSW. The feed conversion ratio also showed significant difference with
birds fed 50% test ingredient recording the best result with values of 1.39 compared to control with 2.45 conversion ratio. This study reveals that BMSW is adequate in basic nutrient and that 50% replacement of maize in broiler starter diet gave the highest live weight and better feed conversion.