EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DIETARY LEVELS OF NIGER SEED CAKE IN BROILER RATION
Loading...
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Abstract
Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kanke, Ranchi. Two hundred
fifty (250) commercial day-old broiler chicks (Cobb strain) were procured from reputed
hatchery for the experiment. After four days of brooding period, the chicks were divided
randomly into five groups consisting of 50 chicks per group. Further, each group was
subdivided into five replicates of 10 chicks. The initial mean body weight of chicks did not
differ significantly. Birds were vaccinated against Marek’s, Ranikhet and Gumboro diseases.
The birds of each group were kept in well lighted and ventilated room with floor space 66 sq.
ft. in deep litter system using litter material with proper adjustment of feeders and waterers.
Niger seed cake and other feed ingredients were analysed for their proximate
principles as well as for calcium and phosphorus content. Two standard diets were
formulated separately for starting (0-4 weeks) and finishing (5-6 weeks) birds. All rations
were designed in such a way that they contain all the nutrients as per BIS specifications
(1992) for broiler birds. First group was treated as a control ration (T1) containing groundnut
cake (GNC). In groups T2, T3, T4 and T5 the GNC of control ration was replaced by Niger
seed cake at 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent level, respectively, on protein equivalent basis.
Equal amount of mineral mixture, common salt and vitamin supplement were added in the
ration of all groups.
Birds were weighed at the start of experiment and then at weekly intervals for six
weeks. A metabolic trial was conducted between 36th to 42nd days of experiment on five birds
from each group with three days adjustment period followed by four days of collection
period to study the nutrient utilization. The samples of feed and excreta were analysed and
balances of N, Ca and P were worked out. Feed and protein efficiency ratio in respect of all
the groups were worked out. Economics of feeding were calculated on the basis of current
market price of different feed ingredients. Blood samples were collected from five birds of
each group on 42nd day of the trial to study the biochemical parameters. At the end of 6th
experimental week of growth trial, three birds from each group were selected randomly for
slaughter to study the various carcass characters.
The quantity of overall average total or daily feed consumption in five treatment
groups did not differ significantly. The findings indicate that Niger seed cake containing
rations were equally palatable to birds.
The differences in average total gain as well as average daily gain in body weight in
various groups were significantly higher in T3 group as compared to T4 and T5, whereas, T1,
T2 and T3 did not differ significantly. Group T4 and T5 also differ significantly from each
other. The 25 per cent and 50 per cent replacement groups gained more body weight than the
control group. The 75 per cent and 100 per cent replacement groups gained less body weight
than the control group. The better effect on growth observed in 50 per cent replacement
group.
The feed conversion efficiency in various groups were significantly better in T3
group than T5, whereas, T1, T2, T3 and T4 did not differ significantly.
The protein efficiency ratio in different treatment groups did not differ significantly
among the five treatment groups.
The values in respect of serum total proteins, serum calcium and serum phosphorus
in different groups did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the five groups. All the values
were within the normal range for chicks.
The average daily retention of nitrogen (g/day) as well as N-retention as per cent of
N-intake did not differ significantly among five treatment groups indicating that inclusion of
Niger seed cake had not affected the nitrogen utilization in broiler chicks.
Average daily Ca-retention (g/day) as well as Ca- retained as percent of Ca-intake did
not differ significantly among the five treatment groups indicating that inclusion of Niger
seed cake had not affected the calcium utilization in broiler chicks.
Average daily P-retention (g/day) as well as P- retained as percent of P-intake did not
differ significantly among the five treatment groups indicating that inclusion of Niger seed
cake had not affected the phosphorus utilization in broiler chicks.
The feed intake, intake of CP as well as metabolisable energy in different groups did
not differ significantly.
All carcass and Organoleptic characters did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among
the five treatment groups indicating that feeding of Niger seed cake had no adverse effect on
meat quality
The cost of feed decreased proportionally with the increased level of Niger seed cake
in the diet. The reduction of cost was 5.02, 10.19, 15.44 and 20.56 per cent less in groups T2,
T3, T4 and T5, respectively, than the control ration (T1).
The cost of feed per unit gain in live weight of birds was found to be 8.42, 15.75,
7.55 and 4.19 per cent less in groups T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively, than the control ration
(T1). The findings indicate that incorporation of Niger seed cake reduced the cost of feed per
unit gain in live weight.
From the findings of the present study, it may be concluded that growth performance
of broiler chickens improved by the replacement of groundnut cake with Niger seed cake at
50 per cent level on protein equivalent basis with distinct economical advantages and without
any adverse effect on meat quality.
Description
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DIETARY LEVELS OF NIGER SEED CAKE IN BROILER RATION
Keywords
null