EFFECT OF UTILISING DIFFERENT STATE OF GRAINS FEED ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS’ MEAT

This study evaluated the impact of wet and dry grain feeds (maize, wheat, millet, and guinea corn) on the performance, carcass, and meat characteristics of broiler chickens. Ninety-six (96) day old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments, with each group consisting of 8 birds across 3 replicates. The study used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD), and data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the performance of birds. Those fed maize, millet, and guinea corn had higher weight gains, with wet feed generally improving live performance. The dressing percentage was highest in birds fed maize, but no significant differences (P>0.05) were found in feed form for most carcass traits, except for the back cut and breast, which were higher in birds fed wheat, millet, and guinea corn. Wet feed increased the performance of live birds, while dry feed enhanced the meat’s physical properties. In terms of meat characteristics, birds fed maize had better water holding capacity, those fed wheat had higher cooking yield, and guinea corn-fed birds exhibited higher shear force. Wet feed increased moisture content in meat, while dry feed boosted protein levels. Interaction effects also showed similar trends.The study concluded that maize was best for promoting live performance, while wheat, millet, and guinea corn improved meat quality. It was recommended that maize be used for better live performance, and wheat, millet, or guinea corn in dry form for improved meat attributes.