EFFECTS OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF MAIZE WITH DIOSPYROS MESPILIFORMIS (KANYA) SEED MEAL AS AN ENERGY SOURCE ON THE PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHER BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of replacing maize with Diospyros melisiformis seed meal (DMSM) on growth performance and carcass traits in Cobb 500 finisher broiler chicks. Forty-five four-week-old chicks were divided into three groups (15 per group) in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Group one (control) received no DMSM, while maize was replaced with 5% and 10% DMSM in groups two and three, respectively. The proximate analysis of DMSM revealed ash (3.30%), moisture (4.00%), protein (5.33%), lipids (7.90%), crude fibre (21.54%), and nitrogen-free extract (42.07%). Weekly feed intake varied, with no significant differences between control (1207.43 g) and 5% DMSM (1291.71 g) diets, but both were higher than the 10% DMSM group (1040.71 g). At week eight, birds on 10% DMSM exhibited the highest weekly weight gain (502.85 g), significantly outperforming the control (324.28 g) and 5% DMSM group (314.28 g), suggesting improved feed utilization. Carcass analysis showed no significant effects on cut-up parts yield, though organs like the proventriculus, kidney, and spleen were influenced by DMSM diets. Dressing percentages did not differ significantly (p<0.05), but the 10% DMSM group had the highest value. In conclusion, replacing maize with up to 10% DMSM in broiler diets did not negatively affect weight gain, carcass traits, or feed efficiency, making it a viable alternative feed ingredient