Growth Performance of Broilers Fed on Processed Acacia Tortilis Seed Meal as a Replacement of Soya Bean Meal

Abstract

Chicken is a major source of protein to humans and a regular income earner to the farmer. Acacia tortilis seeds meal is a key diet in poultry farming. This study sought to determine the growth performance of broiler chicken fed on processed Acacia tortilis seed meal as a replacement of soya bean meal. The study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), and aimed at achieving the following specific Objectives: to determine the growth performance of broilers fed on processed Acacia Tortilis seed meal as a substitute of Soya bean meal; to determine carcass characteristics of broilers fed on processed Acacia Tortilis seed meal as a substitute of Soya bean meal; and to determine the economic benefit when broilers are fed on diets containing processed Acacia Tortilis seed meal as a substitute of Soya bean meal. The study adopted an experimental methodology. The broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatments, with three (3) replication (five birds per cubicle). The replacement feed levels; T0Control 0% acacia + 100% soybean, T1-20% acacia + 80% soybean, T2- 40% acacia + 60% soybean T3- 60% acacia+ 40% soybean, T4 - 80% acacia + 20% soybean and T5 - 100% acacia+0% soybean in a deep litter rearing system. Ninety-day old broiler chicks of mixed sex were experimented. The chicks were fed on broiler starter for 7 days and on experimental diet from day 8-35. The feed and water was provided ad libitum. Data collected was summarized and organized in excel. SPSS software was used to carry out Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), using the predictive analysis software version 20. The initial body weight was not significant (p > 0.05). The Final weight gain, Daily weight gain, Body weight Change was significant and biomass harvested was significant (p < 0.05), where T1 was the highest, followed by T2, T0, T3, T4 and T5 in that order. Voluntary feed intake was not significant (p > 0.05), showing that this ration was palatable and acceptable by the birds. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), T1 was the lowest and was significant (p < 0.05) and T5 was the highest. The higher the FCR the lesser desirable the feed is. It is recommended that Acacia tortilis seed meal of up to 40% can be included in chicken diet as a substitute of Soybean meal but optimally at 20%.