Assessment of Selected Commercial Feed Brands on Nutrient Utilization and Carcass Yield of Broiler Chickens

Abstract This study evaluated the growth performance, carcass characteristics, ileal nutrient digestibility, and economic efficiency of broiler chickens fed a self-formulated diet versus four commercial feed brands. A total of 250 unsexed Arbor Acre broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (T1: self-formulated; T2: Hybrid; T3: Breedwell/New Hope; T4: Ultima; T5: Tops/Capsfeed) in a completely randomized design, each with four replicates. Growth performance, carcass yield, ileal digestibility (using chromic oxide as a marker), and cost of production were assessed over a 56-day period. Results showed that final weight, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by diet. Birds fed the T4 diet exhibited the fastest daily weight gain (56.90 g/d) and the best FCR (1.42), while those on the T1 diet had the lowest final weight and poorest FCR. However, birds on the T3 diet showed the highest final live weight (3.37 kg) and superior ileal digestibility for dry matter (62.96%), crude protein (70.00%), and ether extract (81.04%). Carcass parameters, including slaughter weight (1.94–3.37 kg), carcass weight (1.46–2.65 kg), and dressing percentage (75.12–78.53%), were also significantly (P<0.05) affected, with T3 and T5 generally yielding the highest values. Economically, the T4 diet was the most cost-effective, with the lowest feed cost per kilogram of weight gain (₦233.34), resulting in the highest cost savings. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a clear distinction between the self-formulated diet (T1), which was associated with higher ash and fibre retention, and the commercial diets (T2-T5), which were linked to enhanced protein and fat utilization. The study concludes that while the T4 diet was the most economically efficient and promoted the best FCR, the T3 diet excelled in overall weight gain and nutrient digestibility. The choice of feed should therefore be guided by specific production goals, whether maximizing growth, feed efficiency, or economic returns.