Performance of Growing Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) Fruit Pulp Meal

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
J.N Ingweye
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Water Intake ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Fruit Pulp ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Initial Weight ◽  
Water Feed ◽  
Forage Intake

The study involved the recycling of gmelina fruit pulp to animal feed to reduce environmental pollution by evaluating the feed intake and body weight changes of rabbits fed diets incorporated with Ripe Gmelina Fruit Pulp (RGFP) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in replacement of maize as groups I, II, III, IV and V, respectively. Sixty (60) rabbits in five groups of 12 animals each were used for the eight-week study in completely randomized design experiment. Initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and forage intake ranged from 575–575.02g, 1605–1900g, 1029.98–1324.99g, 8130–7569.85g, 5711.33–1177.11g, 6392.74–2418.67g, respectively. All these parameters were significantly affected (p<0.05) by inclusion of RGFP except initial weight. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), water intake (ml), water–feed ratio and protein efficiency ratio ranged from 7.35–6.14, 278.34–203.36, 0.034–0.027 and 0.8–0.53, respectively. These parameters were also significantly affected (p<0.05) by inclusion of RGFP in diets except water–feed ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Weight gain, total feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and water intake of rabbits fed 0% RGFP were the highest (p<0.05) while the 100% RGFP group recorded the least (p<0.05). Weight gain and total feed intake of 0% RGFP group was similar to those of groups 25%, and 50%. The 100% RGFP fed rabbits had the highest (p<0.05) forage intake but least (p<0.05) FCR while 0% RGFP fed group had the least (p<0.05) forage intake and highest (p<0.05) FCR. Weight gain, total feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and water intake significantly (p<0.05) decreased as RGFP increased while FCR and forage intake increased significantly (p<0.05) as RGFP increased. This study suggests that RGFP could replace up to 50% of maize, beyond which the animals start losing weight. Keywords: Hindgut fermenter, Gmelina fruit waste, rabbit nutrition, recycling

scholarly journals Response of broiler chickens fed diets containing loofah gourd Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) seed meal

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
M. A. Onigemo ◽  
K. Agbalaya ◽  
L. A. Tijani
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Seed Meal ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Blood Cell Count

The scarcity and increasing cost of conventional plant protein sources prompted researches into potential feed resources that are relatively of less importance to man. Loofah gourd (Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) is a plant that is widely available in most tropical, subtropical and temperate region. In Nigeria it grows luxuriantly uncultivated and the sponge is often used for domestic cleaning while the seeds are discarded. The seeds were de-hulled, milled and fed at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% dietary levels of inclusion as partial total replacement for groundnut cake. One hundred and fifty (150) day-old broiler chicks were divided into five (5) groups and each was fed the experimental diets for fifty six (56) days in a completely randomised design (CRD) arrangement. Data collected included the average feed intake (AFI), average weight gain (AWG), live weight (LW) feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), haematology indices such as pack cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb), serological variables such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartic aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and carcass characteristics. Loofah gourd seed meal (LGSM) significantly (P<0.05) depressed the feed intake, weight gain, live weight, and protein efficiency ratio of the birds as the dietary inclusion of LGSM increased in a similar trend. AFI, AWG, and PER were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (125.88 g/day, 51.37 g/day, and 1.81 respectively) and lowest in those on 20% LGSM (62.88 g/day, 19.35 and 1.39 respectively). PCV and Hb were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (10.46 g/dl and 34% respectively) and lowest in those on 15% LGSM (21%) and 10%LGSM (6.98g/dl) respectively. Birds fed with the control diet had the lowest (P<0.05) AST (86.13 U/I), ALT (5.67 U/I) and ALP (112,338.90) and those on 20% LGSM had the highest AST (104.18 U/), ALT (10.98 U/D while the highest ALP (201,762.90) was in birds fed 10% LGSM. Weight of liver and spleen expressed as percentage of live weight were significantly lowest in birds on the control group (1.38 and 0.18 respectively) and highest in those on 15% LGSM (4.08 and 1.50 respectively). The increase in liver and spleen weight coupled with increased serum enzymes activities suggest the presence of anti-nutrient in LGSM. Hence, the use of LGSM beyond 5% level of inclusion is not beneficial in the production of broiler.

scholarly journals THE SUBSTITUTION OF PIGEON PEA SEED (CAJANUS CAJAN) FOR GROUNDNUT CAKE AND MAIZE IN BROILER FINISHER RATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. U. AMAEFULE ◽  
F. C. OBIOHA
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Pigeon Pea ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Groundnut Cake ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pea Seed

One   hundred  and   twenty  4  -   week  old broilers were used to study the effect of substituting pigeon pea seed meal (PPSM) for groundnut cake and maize in broiler finisher rations.  The 4 diet groups contained 0, 30, 40, and  50% PPSM  and  measurements  taken  in the 3 week study  were weight gain,  feed  intake feed conversion ration and   protein  efficiency ratio. Results  showed  that   body weight gain of the  birds  increased as  the  proportion  of PPSM in the diets increased. The final body weights  were  1.47,  1.64,  1.71  and   1.73kg  for 0.30,  40,  and   50%  respectively. Feed   and protein   intake   significantly   increased  as   a result of replacing groundnut cake  and  maize with   PPSM   up   to  40%,  but  did   not   show significant  difference   between   40  and   50%. I Feed  intake   figures  were  96.80, 129.90, 144.30 and  142.60g and  corresponding protein intake figures  were  20.67, 27.64, 30.72 and  30.57g  for 0,   30,   40   and    50%    inclusion    of   PPSM respectively. Feed conversion ratio  and protein efficiency ratio did not significantly differ among the diets.

scholarly journals Effect of African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) spice in aflatoxin-infected diets on growth performance of broilers

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-186
Author(s):  
D. N. Onunkwo ◽  
O. A. Ukoha
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Monodora Myristica

Fungal infected feedstuffs are denatured in nutrients and cause them to develop off flavors that often dampen the appetite of livestock and poultry. In this study, the effect of toasted African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) spice in Aspergillus flavus-infested diets on growth performance of broilers was investigated in a 2 x 3 factorial experimentthat lasted for 42 days. Three out of 6 dietary treatments were infected with 1mg of pure culture of Aspergillus flavus and toasted Monodora myristica spice included at 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% while the other 3 diets were infection-free with 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% Monodora myristica inclusion respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times at 30 chickens per replicate. Infection status was significant (P<0.05) for daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were 134.19g/bird/day, 39.23g/bird/day, 3.59g/bird/day and 1.10g/bird/day, respectively for the non-infected diets. The aflatoxin infection from Aspergillus flavus was observed to reduce (P<0.05) feed intake to 130.51g/bird/day and weight gain (33.67g/bird/day). FCR and PER were also reduced (P<0.05) by the presence of aflatoxin from Aspergillus flavus in the diet. Effect of Monodora myristica supplementation on feed intake, average daily weight gain, FCR and Protein efficiency ratio was significant (P<0.05) for all the measured parameters. The Feed intake, average daily weight gain, FCR and protein efficiency increased (P<0.05) as Monodora myristica inclusion level increased. Feed intake (119.8g/b/d), daily weight gain (28.90g/b/d), FCR (4.28) and PER (0.94) were observed in the Monodora-free (0%) diet. 0.5% and 1.0% levels of Monodora inclusion produced similar (P>0.05) effects on all the growth parameters but were higher than the control. The interaction of aflatoxin infection and Monodora inclusion level were significant for all the growth parameters. The interaction of aflatoxin infection x Monodora inclusion levels recorded feed intake of 107.97g/b/d, 137.36 and 146.19g/b/d respectively for 0, 0.5 and 1.0% Monodora; 22.27g/b/d, 37.87g/b/d and 40.83g/b/d daily weight gain and 4.85%, 3.63% and 3.58% FCR. The interaction effect of Monodora inclusion level in infection-free diets on the birds feed intake were 131.65g/b/d, 147.24g/b/d and 123.67g/b/d respectively for 0%, 0.5% and 1.0%. The interaction effect at 0.5% inclusion level x non-infected diet was significantly higher (41.31g/b/d) than that at 0% inclusion level on daily gain. However, the daily weight gain of 40.83g/b/d observed in the interaction of 1.0% Monodora level x aflatoxin -free diet similar (P<0.05) to that observed in the 0.5% inclusion level. The feed conversion ratio produced by the interactions at the three different levels (0, 0.5 and 1.0%) in the Aspergillus-free diets were (P>0.05) 3.71, 3.57 and 3.49 respectively while PER were (P<0.05) 1.05, 1.13 and 1.11 respectively. The Monodorafree diet recorded 9.26% drumstick, 2.26% liver 0.65% kidney and 2.43% gizzard, while the diet that had 0.5% Monodora myristica yielded 2.12% liver and 2.29% gizzard. Inclusion of Monodora up to 1.0% recorded 1.63% liver weight. Aspergillus flavus alone caused a reduction in live weight, dressed weight, thigh, kidney, breast meat, gizzard and an enlargement in the liver. Monodora myristica inclusion level also affected (p<0.05) all the parameters except dressed weight, thigh and back cut. Kidney and liver were observed to decrease as the level of inclusion of Monodora myristica increased. The interaction of Monodora myristica and Aspergillus flavus on the parameters were significant (p<0.05). From the results, Monodora myristica may be beneficial to poultry farmers, since about 90% of the poultry feed ingredients especially grains are constantly exposed to aflatoxin infection from Aspergillus flavus and other mycotoxin infections which hinder maximum nutrient utilization and affect the rate of conversion of feed.

scholarly journals PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION OF DIETS CONTAINING RAW, BOILED OR DEHULLED PIGEONPEA SEED MEALS (Cajanusc cajan) FED TO BROILER FINISHERS

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-142
Author(s):  
K. U. AMAEFULE ◽  
F. C. OBIOHA
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Seed Meal ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Efficiency Ratio

One hundred and eighty, 4-week old broilers were used to study the performance of broiler finishers fed diets containing raw, boiled or dehulled pigeonpea seed meals included at levels of 30 and 40% of the diets in a 33 x2 factorially designed experiment. Performance criteria were daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), nutrient utilization and final liveweight of the broilers at the end of 8" week. Results showed that dehulled seed meal diet produced broilers with the highest daily weight gain, final liveweight and protein efficiency ratio, lowest feed intake, FCR and daily protein intake. Broilers fed boiled seed meal diet performed significantly better than those fed raw seed meal diet in all measurements. Broilers fed on 30% inclusion level of PPSM gave better results than those on 40% which significantly depressed growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, protein efficiency and increased protein intake. The interaction between processing methods and inclusion levels were not significant. There was a higher nutrient utilization of dehulled and boiled PPSM diets by broilers than the raw seed meal. Increase in the level of inclusion generally decreased protein retention except for the dehulled PPSM diet. It is concluded that a better option is to dehull boiled pigeonpea seeds and include the meal at not more than 30% of the whole ration for broiler finishers.    

Response of broiler chickens fed diets containing loofah gourd Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) seed meal

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
M. A. Onigemo ◽  
K. Agbalaya ◽  
L. A. Tijani
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Seed Meal ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Blood Cell Count

The scarcity and increasing cost of conventional plant protein sources prompted researches into potential feed resources that are relatively of less importance to man. Loofah gourd (Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) is a plant that is widely available in most tropical, subtropical and temperate region. In Nigeria it grows luxuriantly uncultivated and the sponge is often used for domestic cleaning while the seeds are discarded. The seeds were de-hulled, milled and fed at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% dietary levels of inclusion as partial total replacement for groundnut cake. One hundred and fifty (150) day-old broiler chicks were divided into five (5) groups and each was fed the experimental diets for fifty six (56) days in a completely randomised design (CRD) arrangement. Data collected included the average feed intake (AFI), average weight gain (AWG), live weight (LW) feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), haematology indices such as pack cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb), serological variables such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartic aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and carcass characteristics. Loofah gourd seed meal (LGSM) significantly (P<0.05) depressed the feed intake, weight gain, live weight, and protein efficiency ratio of the birds as the dietary inclusion of LGSM increased in a similar trend. AFI, AWG, and PER were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (125.88 g/day, 51.37 g/day, and 1.81 respectively) and lowest in those on 20% LGSM (62.88 g/day, 19.35 and 1.39 respectively). PCV and Hb were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (10.46 g/dl and 34% respectively) and lowest in those on 15% LGSM (21%) and 10%LGSM (6.98g/dl) respectively. Birds fed with the control diet had the lowest (P<0.05) AST (86.13 U/I), ALT (5.67 U/I) and ALP (112,338.90) and those on 20% LGSM had the highest AST (104.18 U/), ALT (10.98 U/D while the highest ALP (201,762.90) was in birds fed 10% LGSM. Weight of liver and spleen expressed as percentage of live weight were significantly lowest in birds on the control group (1.38 and 0.18 respectively) and highest in those on 15% LGSM (4.08 and 1.50 respectively). The increased in liver and spleen weight coupled with increased serum enzymes activities suggest the presence of anti-nutrient in LGSM. Hence, the use of LGSM beyond 5% level of inclusion is not beneficial in the production of broiler.

scholarly journals Growth and carcas characteristics of broilers fed alkali processed soybeans

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44
Author(s):  
B. A. Ayanwale
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Aqueous Solutions ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Effect Of Feeding

An eight-week feeding tial was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding alkali processed soyabeans to broilers.  Soyabeans were processed in aqueous solutions of sodium chloride, sodium sesquicarvonate (trona) and alum respectively. The concentration of each of the salts was 3%. The soyabeans, after drying, were used in compounding 3 diffefrent diets. The control (T1) contained roasted soyabeans while diets T2 , T3 and T4 contained NaCl, trona and alum respectively. Broiler feeding lasted for 8 weeks starting from day - old. The results indicated that feeding NaCl processed soyabeans to broilerss significantly (P<0.05) depressed growth rate, feed consumption and body gain. NaCl treated soyabeans produced feed/gain ratio, protein efficiency ratio (PER), carcass and organ proportion  comparable to thr control. The growth rate, feed intake and weight gain of NaCl to sufficiently inactive trypsin inhibitors and remove a substsntisl proportion of polyphenols and oligosaccharides in soyabeans. It was concluded that since alkaline salts are cheap and readily available all the year round their use in processing soyabeans should be encourage.

scholarly journals Effect of dietary Black pepper (Piper nigrum) on the performance of broiler

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
EK Ndelekwute ◽  
KD Afolabi ◽  
HO Uzegbu ◽  
UL Unah ◽  
KU Amaefule
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Black Pepper ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Piper Nigrum ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Dietary Treatments

An experiment was conducted to determine the dietary effect of different levels of ground black pepper (Piper nigrum) on growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. There were five dietary treatments each containing 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 % black pepper (BP) fed at both starter and finisher phases. One hundred and fifty (150) day old chicks of Arbor-acre strain were divided into five dietary groups having three replication with 10 in each. The five dietary treatments were randomly assigned into five groups. The birds were fed and watered ad libitum. At the starter phase 0.25 and 0.5 % BP improved live weight significantly (p<0.05). Feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) reduced at 1.00% BP. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in daily gain, feed: gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio. At the finisher phase, final live weight was improved by 0.25% (p<0.05). Final live weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed: gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio were negatively affected by 0.75 and 1.0%BP. Fecal moisture was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by 0.25% while dry matter, protein and ether extract digestibility were improved by all the levels of BP. None of the BP levels improved crude fibre digestibility (p>0.05) over the control. NFE and energy utilization were improved by 0.25 and 0.5%, but significantly (p<0.05) reduced by 1.00% BP.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2015. 44(2): 120-127

scholarly journals Nutritive value of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seeds soaked in wood ash extract as protein feedstuff for broiler chicken production

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-111
Author(s):  
S. O. Omoikhoje ◽  
J. E. Imade ◽  
M. O. Odiase
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Pigeon Pea ◽  
Wood Ash ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Serum Biochemical ◽  
Biochemical Indices

An eight weeks feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of feeding graded level of soaked pigeon pea meal (SPPM) in wood ash extract or solution on the growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens. A total of 144 day-old chicks (Anak 2000) were randomly allotted to four treatment diets (1, 2, 3 and 4) in a completely randomized design. Each treatment group was replicated three times with twelve birds per replicate, thus, having thirty-six chicks per treatment group. Diet 1 contained 0% SPPM in wood ash extract for 72hours as the control diet, while diets 2, 3 and 4 were formulated to contain 25, 50 and 75% inclusions of SPPM in place of soybean meal. Results showed that the average live weight, daily weight gain and feed intake as well as protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments at the finisher phase. Broiler chickens fed 25% SPPM based diet had a higher (P<0.05) and comparable value of live weight, weight gain and protein efficiency ratio to that recorded in the control diet at the finisher phase. The haematological and serum biochemical indices revealed that albumin and total cholesterol were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment diets. The albumin value (2.2g/dl) was highest in birds fed 50% SPPM, whereas, the cholesterol value decreased (P<0.05) with increasing levels of inclusion of SPPM from 0 to 75%. It therefore implies that SPPM can be partially included in broiler diets up to 25% level with optimum growth performance and without any detrimental effect on the blood profile of broiler chickens.

Effect of processing methods on the nutritional value of Mucuna cochinchinensis to broiler chicks

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 125 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N. Ukachukwu ◽  
F. C. Obioha
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Crude Fibre

The performance and nutrient retention of broilers fed raw (RMD), toasted (TMD), boiled (BMD), soaked and boiled (SMD) or no (NMD) Mucuna cochinchinensis seed diets at both starter and finisher phases were assessed using 400 broiler chicks. The birds were fed a common proprietary feed (Top Feed) until 2 weeks of age, followed by a treatment diet for 3 weeks of the starter period, then 5 weeks on the finisher diet. At the starter phase, RMD significantly (P < 0.05) decreased liveweight, daily weight gain, protein efficiency ratio and encouraged poorer feed conversion ratio and higher cost per kilogram weight gain when compared with other diets. TMD decreased (P < 0.05) only the protein efficiency ratio. RMD also decreased (P < 0.05) retention of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF) and energy while TMD decreased (P < 0.05) retention of only DM, CP, and energy. At the finisher phase, RMD also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased daily weight gain, protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio and increased cost per kg weight gain, while TMD decreased (P < 0.05) only the protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio. RMD again decreased (P < 0.05) retention of DM, CP, CF and energy, while TMD, as in the starter phase, again decreased (P < 0.05) retention of DM, CP and energy. On a cumulative basis, RMD adversely affected (P < 0.05) all the parameters under investigation. TMD affected (P < 0.05) only the feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and cost per kg weight gain. Boiling Mucuna cochinchinensis, therefore, encourages significantly better performance of chicks, higher nutrient retention and lower cost per kg weight gain than toasting, whereas soaking before boiling does not add any advantage to boiling alone.

Performance, haematology and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens given water from different sources

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-113
Author(s):  
O. R Folorunso ◽  
E. A. O. Laseinde ◽  
G. E. Onibi
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Water Intake ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Borehole Water ◽  
Different Sources

n eight week study was conducted to assess the performance, carcass characteristics and haematological indices of broiler chickens provided water from different sources. One hundred and fifty day - old broiler chicks (Arbor acre) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups (rain, stream, pipe borne water, well and borehole water respectively) in a completely randomized experimental design. The borehole water was obtained from a residential building, about 500 m to the experimental site (Federal College of Agriculture (FECA), Akure, Nigeria). Rainwater was harvested when it rained and was stored in plastic containers before it was used. It was not stored for more than three days before use. Stream water was obtained from a stream that flowed close to the students' residential area of FECA. It is sometimes drunk and is typical of streams that flow in a typical village community. Well water was obtained from a well sunk within the premises of the FECA. It was a well from where people fetched water for domestic use and was provided to the birds without prior treatment. Pipe borne water was obtained from the Water Corporation Mains that supplies FECA and Ijapo Estate, Akure. Results from the experiment revealed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences among the treatments in terms of water intake, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, relative weight of some organs, muscle dimensions and haematological parameters. Pipe borne water had the highest numerical values (P>0.05) for most of the performance and carcass characteristic indices measured, such as daily water intake (181.53±14.6), cumulative water intake (8.90±.71), daily feed intake (106.27±4.15), cumulative feed intake (5.21±0.20), daily weight gain (38.53±2.38), total weight gain (1.89±0.12), final weight gain (1.98±0.12), percent dressed weight (97.11±0.16%), percent eviscerated weight (81.86±3.26%), relative weights of drumstick (99.37±5.43g/kg), wings (89.10±9.69g/kg), chest (170.08±6.59g/kg) and back (159.40±18.90g/kg live weight) respectively. Water from different sources (rain, well, pipe borne water, borehole and stream) had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the performance indices, considered in the study for broiler chickens. This implies that the aforementioned water sources can be used to raise broiler chickens provided such water is free from any contaminants that could impair the health of the birds.

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