JAFE Vol.  10(1): 14-20, 2023

Growth Performance and Laying Traits of Chickens Fed Enzyme-Fortified Cassava Peel Meal for Whole Maize Replacement

Amagwula, P.I., Okafor, O.L., Ekenyem, B.U. and Madubuike, F.N.

The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the layer chickens fed enzyme-fortified cassava peal meal (EFCPM) for replacement of maize in their diets. Graded levels of EFCPM (0%, 17%, 34%, and 51%) were used to replace corresponding levels of whole maize in four diets as treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 representing 0%, 17%, 34% and 51% inclusion levels, respectively. A total of ninety-six (96) Nera black laying strains with 24 birds allotted randomly to each of the experimental diets (treatment) were used. Each treatment group was replicated three times (eight birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. Results obtained on growth performance and laying characteristics differed significantly (P< 0.05) among treatment means, except for initial live weights and mortality in the growth performance. Egg width, shell thickness, yolk height, albumen and yolk indices, and Haugh units did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Treatment 3 (34% EFCPM inclusion) produced the best result among the treatment means. This study suggests that EFCPM can be tolerated by laying hens up to 51% inclusion level.

Keywords:

growth performance, laying traits, chicken, EFCPM, maize replacement

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