EVALUATION OF GINGER WASTE MEAL IN THE DIET OF BROILER STARTER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the growth performance of broiler starter chicks fed ginger waste meal (GWM) as a replacement for maize in a four-week feeding trial. A total of three hundred and seventy five (375) one-day-old Abor-Acre chicks were assigned to five treatment groups using a completely randomized design. Each treatment group contained 75 chicks and was replicated three times with twenty five chicks per replicate. The GWM was incorporated in the diets at 7.5%, 15.0%, 22.5%, and 30.0% as a replacement for the maize used in the control diet. At the end of the feeding trial, growth parameters including initial and final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed/gain ratio and mortality were measured. The results revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the growth parameters measured. Birds on 7.5% and 15.0% GWM had the highest final body weight, daily weight gain and feed to gain ratio, which was similar to that of 0%, 15.0% and 22.5% GWM, while those fed 30% GWM in place of maize had the lowest final body weight, daily weight gain and feed to gain ratio. The average feed consumed increased linearly as the inclusion level of GWM increased from 7.5% to 30% GWM. Thus, the optimal inclusion level of GWM in broiler diets as a replacement for maize should not exceed 15.0%. It was therefore concluded that inclusion of GWM in the diet of broiler chicks is beneficial.