The Use of Palm Kernel Cake in Replacement of Maize on the Performance of Broiler Chickens Reared in Rainforest Zone, Nigeria

¹KPEREGBEYI, J.I AND ²ENERUVIE, B.E.

¹Department of Agricultural Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.

²Department of Agricultural Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

E-mail: jameslovekperegbeyi@gmail.com or james_kperegbeyi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the performance and economics of broilers fed diets containing graded levels of palm kernel cake at Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Poultry Research Farm, between January and February, 2013. Two hundred Hubbard strain of broiler chicks were  randomly allotted to five diets in which palm kernel cake replaced maize at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % levels designated as diets A, B, C, D and E respectively. Each treatment diet was replicated 4 times consisting of 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD).The data generated were subjected to analysis of variance techniques as described by Steel and Tome (1980). Feed and water were provided ad libitum and the feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. The diets were iso-nitrogenous but at varying caloric levels. The daily feed consumption of the birds significantly increased as the levels of palm kernel cake increased up to 75 % of maize replacement. Daily weight gain of 42.09 g, 42.61 g and 50.06 g for broiler chicks fed diets B, C and D respectively was significantly affected by dietary replacement of maize with palm kernel cake variety during the starter phase. The result showed that chicks on diets containing 25, 50 and 75 % palm kernel cake gained significantly more weight than those in control and 100 % palm kernel cake diets. Feed conversion ratio of 2.96, 2.99, 2 60, 2,53, and 2.31 at starter phase and 2.76, 2.62, 2.56, 2.48, and 2.34 at finisher phase for diets A, B, C, D and E showed no significant difference among the dietary treatment during both starter and finisher phases. The overall average daily feed intake and-weight gain (0 – 8 weeks) was not significantly affected by dietary treatments (P<0.05). Economic analysis showed that feed cost in Naira per kg decreased with increasing levels of palm kernel cake up to 75 %. The result of this study revealed that palm kernel cake variety could completely replace maize in broiler diets without depression in performance, however, 75 % level of replacement is more economical and therefore recommended.