PHENOTYPIC AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NOILER BIRDS FED SOLID WASTE PRODUCTS OF SUGAR INDUSTRY MEAL-BASED DIET IN TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the phenotypic and biochemical characteristics of Noiler birds fed Solid Waste Products of Sugar Industry (SWAPSI) meal-based diet in tropical environment. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) day old Noiler chicks were purchased from a reputable poultry dealer in Makurdi, Benue State, and brooded for a period of one week using conventional brooding method. On arrival, the chicks were given anti stress in the drinkers.Data were collected on body weight and body weight gain. The design of the experiment was Completely Randomised Design. All data collected were analysed using One Way ANOVA of the SPSS statistical software version 21. The result obtained indicated that the SWAPSImeal-based diet had significant (P<0.05) effect on body weight and body weight gain, inclusion of solid waste product of sugar industry at Treatment 2 shows significant (P<0.05) higher body weight at week 1(282.13), week 2(462.9), week 3(592.0), week 4(731.3), week 5(805.56), week 6(887.8) and week 7(960.2) compare to other treatments. Body weight gain was affected significantly (P<0.05) at weeks 1, 2, 5, and 6. Treatment 2 shows significant higher body weight at week 1 and week 2 (161.88, 126.83) while treatment 6 and 3 shows significant (P<0.05) higher body weight gain at week 5 and week 6 (108.15, 150.90). it was concluded that cooked Solid Waste Products of Sugar Industry (SWAPSI) meal-based diets could be used to replace maize in Noiler production to reduce the cost of feed.