EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTING MAIZE WITH SORGHUM, MILLET OR ACHA' ON THE GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILERS

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects on the growth and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens of substituting low inputs grain, acha', or medium inputs grains, sorghum and millet, for the high inputs grain, maize. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets for both the starter and finisher phases were formulated with maize, sorghum, millet and 'acha' as the main source of energy as treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Marshall broiler birds were brooded up to 2 weeks before the treatments were introduced. From then up to 8 weeks of age, body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality were recorded. The results of the study show no significant differences (P>0.05) between the four treatments in final body weight and average daily gain but birds on treatment 4 ("acha') had significantly lower feed intake and superior feed conversion ratio than the other experimental diets. It was concluded that maize can be replaced with sorghum, millet and 'acha without adverse effects on performance of broiler chickens.