EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL METHIONINE OF PROCESSED CASSAVA ROOT (Manihot esculenta, CRANTZ) BASED DIETS ON GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

Cassava is increasing channeled into feeding livestock as energy source because of the high cost of maize. In a 6- week feeding trial, a total of 234 1-day-old broiler chicks of the Arbor Acres strain were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (T1- Control (without cassava root inclusion and methionine supplementation), T2- Fermented cassava root and T3-Sundried cassava root) with or without methionine supplementation, with six replicate groups, in a completely randomized design. At 0 to 21 d, average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily body weight gain (ADBWG) and Feed conversion ratio of birds were not significantly (P>0.05) affected. At 22 to 42 d, ADFI and Total feed intake (TFI) were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by dietary treatments, The daily body weight gain (DBWG) observed in T1 (55.16±3.62g) was significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to T2 (42.49±3.78) and T3 (42.24±3.31). A poorer FCR (P<0.05) was observed in birds on T2 (1.37±0.13) and T3 (1.36±0.11) compared to T1 (1.05±0.07). The DBWG observed in birds on T1 (76.62±3.61) was significantly (P>0.05) higher compared to T2 (65.36±3.46) and T3 (63.61±4.44). The overall body weight gain (BWG) was better (P<0.05) for birds fed fermented cassava root (1609.03g). The carcass yield did not (P>0.05) significantly vary along treatments. Breast meat was not (P>0.05) significantly affected by dietary treatments and values ranged from 19.98±0.86% (T3) to 20.35±1.41% (T2). Weight of drumstick (%) ranged from 10.08±0.96 (T1) to 10.70±0.59 (T3). The weights of wings (%), thigh, back, drumstick and neck were unaffected. Write your conclusion in one sentence.