GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED WITH GRADED LEVELS OF ROSELLE CALYX (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of graded levels of the Roselle calyx (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) Arbor acre broiler birds were used for the six (6) weeks study, they were randomly assigned to five treatments of thirty birds each, (T_l, T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅) which had broiler chicks fed with feed incorporated with Roselle calyx as feed additive at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% respectively. The birds were further randomly sub-divided into three replicates often birds each using a Completely Randomized Design. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was computed. At the end of the study, two birds were randomly selected from each replicate for the carcass characteristics and evaluation. The data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The result of obtained showed that the initial weight, average daily feed intake, total feed intake and carcass characteristics were not significantly different across the treatment means while the final weight, total weight gain and total feed intake value were significantly differed with the highest value of final weight at T_l (1266.67g/b) and lowest value at T₄ (1133.33g/b). It was therefore concluded that the inclusion level of Roselle calyx at 1% compared favourably with the control.