Performance and carcass and organ weights of broiler chicks fed graded levels of Acha grains (Digitaria exilis)

Abstract

The effects of replacing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of maize with Acha grains in broiler chicks' diets on growth performance, apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) and carcass and organ weights was studied in a 8 week experiment using 150 unsexed 7 days-old Abor-Acre broiler chicks. The results showed that Acha grains could be used to replaced maize up to 100% without significantly (P>0.05) affecting body weight gain, ADC and percentage carcass and cut-up parts and organ weights of finisher broilers, except the abdominal fat deposit. Acha grains is therefore recommended for use to replace maize as a good energy source in poultry rations.