NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILTY OF BROILER STARTER CHICKS FED PROCESSED BAOBAB SEED MEAL-BASED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ENZYME

Abstract

A 28-days feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of enzyme supplementation on processed baobab seed meal-based (PBSM) diets on nutrient digestibility of broiler starter chicks. Two hundred and forty (240) day old chicks (COBB 500) of similar live weights were randomly assigned to a four (4) dietary treatments with four (4) replicates haven 15 birds each in a 2x2 factorial arrangement fitted into Completely Randomized Design. Processed baobab seed meal was included at 0 and 20% while enzymes was supplemented at 0 and 200 ppm for treatments combination T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. All other routine management practices were adhered to throughout the experimental period. The result showed significant (P<0.05) improvement in the ether extract (64.74%) digestibility for birds fed 20%BM compared to those fed 0%BM. Similarly, enzyme significantly (P<0.05) increased the digestibility of crude fibre (37.33%) and ash (30.78%) for birds fed 200ppm enzyme supplementation compared to those on 0ppm enzyme. However, interaction showed significant (P<0.05) depression in the digestibility of dry matter (46.39%) for birds fed T4 (20%BM+200ppm) but improved crude protein (73.08%) and ether extract (65.27%) digestibility for birds fed T3 (20%BM+0ppm) compared to those fed T1 (72.57 and 63.18%). Similarly, birds in T4 had higher crude fibre (39.17%) and ash (32.21%) digestibility compared to those on diet T1 and other treatments combinations. It is concluded that 20% of processed baobab seed meal should be supplemented with 200ppm enzyme for improved nutrients digestion in broilers