EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF SOAKED AND FERMENTED AFRICAN LOCUST BEAN SEED MEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE AND NUTREINTS DIGESTIBILITIES BY BROILER CHICKENS AT STARTER PHASE

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the performance and nutrients digestibilities by broiler chickens fed diets containing soaked and fermented African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) seed meal (SFALBSM). Five diets were formulated in which SFLSBM was included at graded levels of 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30% designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Two hundred and twenty five (225) broiler chickens (Marshall Strain) were fed these diets in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated three times with 15 birds per replicate. The experiment lasted 4 weeks. Faecal samples were collected, weighed and evaluated for proximate composition. The results of performance shoed were significant differences (P<0.05) in the final body weight (734.25-919.89g), total weight gain (679.13-898.31g) and total feed intake (1572.39-1708.56g). The feed conversion ratio (1.87-2.31) were significantly (P<0.05) better for 15% ALBSM diet compared to others. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the crude protein, crude fibre and ash digestibilities. The feed cost per kilogram gain was better for treatment 3 (N137.51/ kg gain) compared to others. It was concluded that 15% SFALBSM can included in the diet of broiler chicks without any depression on performance and digestibility of nutrients.