GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF FINISHER BROILER CHICKENS FED RAW SENNA OBTUSIFOLIA SEED MEAL

Abstract

An experiment was undertaken to evaluate the growth performance of finisher broiler chickens fed raw Senna obtusifolia seed meal. One hundred and fifty (150) arbor acre day old unsexed broilers were purchased from a reputable supplier in Uyo metropolis. The birds were randomly allotted to five experimental treatments with 30 birds per treatment. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 10 birds per replicate, in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment 1 was control while Senna obtusifolia seed meal was included at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10g/kg respectively in Treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experiment which lasted for 56 days. Growth performance parameters evaluated were initial weight, final weight, weight gain, average feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency ratio, daily protein intake and protein efficiency ratio. Data were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance and significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple range test using SPSS version 25.0. The results of growth performance showed there were significant differences (P<0.05) in all parameters measured, except on initial weight and mortality. Mean values of birds fed up to 5% inclusion level of raw SOSM was not significantly different (P>0.05) from the control in final weights, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio. The mean values of final live weight obtained in this study ranged from 2268g for birds fed control (T1), 2238g for birds fed T2, 2187.67g for birds fed T3, 1895g for birds fed T4 to 1866.67g for birds fed T5 diets respectively. It was observed that birds fed up to 5% dietary inclusion of raw SOSM compared favorably with the control group in terms of final live weight, though significantly different from birds in T4 and T5, which were also statistically similar. This study revealed that birds fed control diet (T1) utilized nutrients similarly (P<0.05) with those on T2 and T3, which however varied significantly (P<0.05) when compared with those on T4 and T5 diets. In conclusion, raw SOSM can be included up to 5% in the diet of finisher broiler chickens without any deleterious effect