Performance, carcass characteristics and economy of production of broilers fed maize grit and brewers' dried grain

Abstract

A 28-day feeding trial involving ninety-six (96) four weeks old broiler chicks was conducted to investigate the effect of total replacement of maize with different combination ratios of maize grit and Brewers Dried Grain (BDG) on the performance, carcass characteristics and economy of finisher broilers. Four experimental diets were formulated by substituting maize with maize grit and BDG in the ratio of T (0%); T 1 2 (3:1-45 + 15); T (1:1-30 + 30) and T (1:3-15 + 45) respectively. The birds were randomly assigned to four 3 4 treatment diets. Each experimental unit of 24 birds was replicated twice giving 12 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. Body weight and weight gain per feed intake through higher at high cost with the control diet improved in cheaper diets formulated with maize grit and BDG. There was no consistency in the carcass characteristics of the groups particularly among the internal organs showing that dietary maize grit ad BDG could not pose any discernible nutritional problems that might manifest in the carcass of the broilers. Cheaper feed formulated with maize grit and BDG gave the higher gross margins especially diet 4.

Effect of feeding brewers’ dried grain on the performance and carcass characteristics of Vanaraja chicks

“…Ether extract digestibility did not differ among broilers fed 15Á30% MSBDG (Esonu et al 1999). There was no specific trend in carcass traits particularly internal organ weights in broilers fed increasing levels of BDG (Anyanwu et al 2008). The cost reduction and savings were better in broilers fed urea treated and fermented BDG diets (Isikwenu et al 2008).…”

“…BDG can be a potential substitute for a part of maize and soya bean meal in chick's diet. BDG in broiler diet compared to ground corn caused an improvement in body weight gain and increased profit margin (Anyanwu et al 2008). Maize/Sorghum based BDG (MSBDG) could replace up to 50% maize in poultry diets without affecting performance (Uchegbu 1995).…”