Carcass characteristics of finishing broiler chickens fed varying levels of crude fibre and energy in multi-fibre source-based diets

Abstract

The carcass characteristics of unsexed Obamarshal broiler chickens fed three levels (4, 8 and 12%) of Crude Fibre (CF) and three levels of Metabolisable Energy (ME) at 2600, 2800 and 3000 ME (Kcal/kg) in multi-fibre source-based diets were assessed using a 3x3 factorial design. The nine experimental diets, each for the starter and finisher phases maintained the calorie: protein ratios of 123:1 and 140:1 respectively. Two hundred and sixteen (216) dayold unsexed broiler chicks were allotted at the outset to nine dietary treatments at 24 per diet with 8 birds per replicate. There were 3 replicates per treatment arranged in a completely randomised design. Diets were formulated in accordance with the standard nutritional specifications for the broiler chickens. Feed and water were provided to the birds ad libitum for 8 weeks. Results showed that carcass yield was similar (P>0.05) and maximised (P<0.05) on 8 and 12% CF diets at 2800 and 3000ME (Kcal/kg) with the eviscerated weights of 1.40 and 1.42 kg respectively while carcass fat as per abdominal and gizzard was minimised on 12% CF diet at 2800ME (Kcal/kg) diet. Relative weights of both intestinal organs and length of intestine were increased (P<0.05) in broiler finishers with increasing CF levels while increasing ME levels increased abdominal fat. It can therefore, be concluded that 12% CF diet at 2800 and 3000 ME (Kcal/kg) maximised carcass yield but carcass fat was minimised at 2800 ME (Kcal/kg) diet of broiler chickens in favor of its recommendation for adoption, especially in the tropics.

Performance, nutrients digestibility and economics of production of finisher broiler fed diets containing Euphorbia heterophylla leaf meal

“…However, the non-significant (P>0.05) difference in AFW, AWG, AFCR, and APER among the dietary treatments may be due to the energy level which were similar in all the treatment groups. This is in agreement with the findings of Salami and Odunsi (2017) who reported that adequate energy level in the diet improve feed intake, protein intake and calories utilization by birds. The proximate energy level of the experimental diets in the present study (3144.86 -3300.11 ME Kcal/kg) is within the energy requirement of broiler finisher as reported by Salami and Odunsi (2017) who opined that dietary energy level of 2800 to 3000 (Kcal/kg) ME has no significant (P>0.05) effect on AWG, FCR and AFW in finisher broiler chickens.…”

“…This is in agreement with the findings of Salami and Odunsi (2017) who reported that adequate energy level in the diet improve feed intake, protein intake and calories utilization by birds. The proximate energy level of the experimental diets in the present study (3144.86 -3300.11 ME Kcal/kg) is within the energy requirement of broiler finisher as reported by Salami and Odunsi (2017) who opined that dietary energy level of 2800 to 3000 (Kcal/kg) ME has no significant (P>0.05) effect on AWG, FCR and AFW in finisher broiler chickens. The researchers found that on like the starter phase, the growth rate of finisher were similar across the energy levels which was partly attributed to better development of the gut resulting in nutrient digestion, absorption and utilization.…”