摘要
The replacement of maize with dried cassava peel and dried caged layers' manure mixed in ratio 5:1 (w/w), ensiled for 14 days was investigated in broiler starter diet to evaluate their growth responses. The fermented mixture was used to partially replace maize at 0, 25% and 50% in broiler starter diet. Ninety (90) day old chicks, of Anark breed were divided into three groups of three replicates each. There were ten birds per replicate and each group was fed each of the dietary treatment ad libitum for 28 days. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransaminase (EC 2.6.1.1.1), alanine aminotransaminase (EC 2.6.1.1.2), carcass cut parts and cost per kilogram flesh gained were monitored. Results showed linear increase (P 〈 0.05) in feed intake, body weight gain, FCR, and PER. The serum proteins and enzymes monitored were not influenced (P 〉 0.05) by treatments. The eviscerated weight, wings and large intestine length were higher (P 〈 0.05) in birds fed 50% replacement of maize diet. The cost of feed per kilogramme and cost per kilogramme flesh gained was best (P 〈 0.05) in birds fed diets 50% replacement of maize. Therefore, fermented mixture of cassava peel and caged layers' manure (FCPCLM) in broiler starter diet at 50% dietary level support good performance, enhanced gain in eviscerated weight and reasonable cost per kilogramme flesh gained at the starter phase.