Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens fed Acha-Based Diet Supplemented With Phytase® Enzyme
| Main Authors: | Oko O.O.K, Ozung, P.O, Halilu, A, Effiom, E. I. |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Terbitan: |
, 2018
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://zenodo.org/record/1477600 |
Daftar Isi:
- This study evaluated the growth and carcass of broiler chickens fed acha diet supplemented with phytase® enzyme. Acha grains were used as replacement for maize such that two basal diets were formulated; maize-soybean and acha-soybean to serve as positive (T1) and negative (T2) control groups, respectively. The phytase® enzyme was supplemented into the acha-based diet only at 250, 500 and 750mg/kg to constitute treatments T3, T4 and T5, respectively. A total of one hundred and twenty (120), day-old Abor-Acre broiler chicks were assigned to the five treatments with 24 birds each using a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was further sub - divided into three replicates of seven (8) birds each. All chicks were managed in a deep litter house under the same experimental conditions for 49 days. Data was collected on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and organoleptic properties of chicken breast muscles. Results showed significant (P<0.05) differences in all growth parameters (except the feed conversion ratio) between dietary treatments. Final body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio improved with enzyme supplementation. Feed intake was enhanced for birds fed acha with or without enzyme supplementation. Cost per kg gain, cost of feed consumed per bird and weekly cost of feed were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. Phytase supplementation slightly improved the carcass yield (75.21 – 75.85%) of broiler chickens. Relative weights for back and breast weight were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments. Generally, relative organ weights showed significant (P<0.05) difference for full gizzard, empty gizzard, proventriculus and oesophagus. Organoleptic properties of the breast muscle showed significant difference (P<0.05) between dietary treatments and cooking methods. The study concludes that acha – based diet supplemented with phytase enzyme for broiler chickens has shown some produce positive responses in growth performance and carcass characteristics.