GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS YIELD OF BROILER CHICKENS FED FOUR COMMERCIAL DIETS

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefit of feeding four different commercial diets to broiler chickens. Two hundred and eight (208) day-old chicks were randomly allotted to four diets in replicates of four. The diets were designated as A, B, C, and D. Each replicate had 13 birds assigned in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and the trial lasted for 42 days. Results for growth performance revealed a significant (P<0.05) effect of diet on nearly all indices in the starter, finisher and overall phases. At four weeks, birds fed diets C and A had significantly (P<0.01) higher weights (1252.00 and 1230.70g) than those on diet D (1118.00g) followed by those fed diet B (1012.80g). Total weight gain was higher (P<0.001) on diet D (1933.00g) than those on diet A (1663.70g), while those on diets B (1588g) and D (1511.00g), were similar and had the lowest weights. There was no significant effect of diet on total feed intake (2978.40 – 3232.40g) and overall feed efficiency (0.46 – 0.55). Carcass characteristics indicated that birds fed diet C (1.87kg) had higher carcass weights, followed by those on diet A (1.64kg) and D (1.56kg) which were statistically similar. The lowest carcass weight was recorded in broiler birds fed diet C (1.38kg). However, there was no significant influence of diet on dressing percentage (68.25 – 74.76%). Feed cost per kg varied from N880 - N960 and feed cost per kg gain was lowest on diet A (N1579.76) and highest on diet D (N1789.14). It was concluded that growth rate was similar for both diet A and C. however diet C was most economical and is recommended for profitable broiler chicken production.