Evaluation of cassava distillers’ waste meal in the diet of broiler chickens

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood components and carcass cuts of broiler chickens fed cassava distillers’ waste meal (CDWM) as a replacement for maize in a 6-week feeding trial. A total of 300 one-day-old Abor-Acre chicks were assigned to five groups using a completely randomized design. Each group contained 60 chicks with 6 replicates. The CDWM was incorporated in the diets at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% as a replacement for the maize used in the control diet. CDWM had higher protein and fibre content than maize. Significant differences (p < 0,05) were observed in growth parameters, nutrient digestibility, packed cell volume and breast weight. Final weight and daily weight gain decreased as CDWM increased in the diet, while average daily feed consumed and the conversion ratio increased linearly; birds fed the control diet had the lowest and best feed conversion ratio, while those fed 100% CDWM in place of maize had the highest feed conversion ratio. Thus, the optimal inclusion level of CDWM in broiler diets as a replacement for maize should not exceed 25%. Further studies are needed to determine whether the addition of a multi-carbohydrase enzyme will allow for a higher percentage of CDWM in place of maize with in broiler diets.