Effect of orange and banana peels on the growth performance of broilers

Abstract

This research was conducted for evaluation of various levels of orange and banana peels on growth performance of broilers and also predicted cost effective feed. A total of 250 day-old healthy Hubbard broiler chicks were randomly selected and divided into five groups (50 chicks / group). The group A served as control on basal diet. The groups B1 and B2 treated with orange peel (1.5 and 3.0 %), and C1/C2 treated with banana peel (1.5 and 3.0 %) in mutually starter and grower ration throughout whole feeding trial for five weeks (35 days). Results showed that the lowest feed (3509.26) was consumed by group A and highest (3687.82 g) by group B1. Better Growth (2117.7 g), live body weight ( 2161.1 g), FCR ( 1.66), Dressing % (63.50) and also lowest mortality (6%) was recorded in Group C2 (3% banana peel). The significant difference (P<0.001) was recorded in all growth parameters. Non-significant difference was recorded in internal body parts of broiler. The highest Rs. 41. 84 per bird net profit was calculated from group C2 followed by C1, B2, B1 and A groups. It was concluded that addition of banana peel into the broiler ration as a feed additive up to level of 3.0 % is economical and has positive effects on growth performance. However further research are required with incremental dose response to explore its effects on growth and blood biochemistry in different animal models.