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Effect of Feeding Cassava Wastes on the Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

Bukola B. Babatunde*

Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Fiji National University, Koronivia, P.O Box 1544, Nausori, Fiji Islands

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2013 16(2): 63-73

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Utilization of cassava waste meal (CWM) by broilers may increase poultry meat production in the developing countries by reducing cost of production. A completely randomized design feeding trial of 120 Cobb chicks aged 22 d was conducted to evaluate the effect of CWM-based diets on carcass quality of broilers and to determine the cost effectiveness of CWM in the diets of broilers. Four diets comprising control and three CWM-based diets containing 10, 20 and 30% CWM graded levels, respectively, were fed to chickens for 24 d. Daily feed intake and weekly body weight of chickens were measured throughout the feeding trial. A metabolic trial was conducted at the end of the trial to determine utilization of nutrients, followed by carcass evaluation of treated chickens. Total cost of feeding per weight gain of chickens was also computed. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratios of broiler chickens fed CWM based diets were comparable (P > 0.05) to control chickens. Similarly, increasing CWM levels in finishing diets did not affect (P > 0.05) the utilization of dry matter, ash, crude fibre and dressing percentage. None of the treatments significantly influenced (P > 0.05) breast cuts, drumstick, liver and lung weights. Supplementation of broiler finisher with CWM significantly reduced (P< 0.05) total feeding cost and cost of producing broiler meat compared to control diet. CWM supplementation of broiler finisher diets optimized the profit from broiler production. This study showed that inclusion of CWM up to 10% in the diets of broilers supported their growth performance, and carcass characteristics. The supplementation of broiler finishing diets with CWM was profitable than feeding maize based finisher diets.