Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences

J. Anim. Plant Sci. [ISSN 2071 - 7024]

Volume 11(3): 1442 -1449. Published October 31, 2011.

1J.Chimvuramahwe, 1J.P Musara, 1L. Mujuru, 1C.T. Gadzirayi, 1I.W. Nyakudya, , 1L. Jimu , 1C.A.T. Katsvanga, J.F Mupangwa and R. Chivheya.
1Bindura University of Science Education, P.Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe.

Corresponding Author: jchimvura@yahoo.com +263-77-3-271674

Key Words: Effect, Adansonia digitata(Baobab) seed cake, broiler, growth

 

SUMMARY

The effect of feeding graded levels of baobab seed cake on the growth performance of broiler chicks was evaluated. One hundred and eighty (180) day old broiler chicks of the Ross 46 Breed were used. The experimental layout was a completely randomized design with four treatments replicated three times. Each treatment allocated forty-five chicks and fifteen birds per replicate. The inclusion levels of baobab seed cake in the diets were 0, 5, 10 and 15 % on a mass basis. Soya bean meal based feed was used as the control. The experimental diets were isonitrogenous with 25 % and 20 % crude protein content for starter and finisher phase, respectively. The parameters measured were feed intake, weight gain and mortality. ANOVA showed that there was better performance (P < 0.05) from broiler chicks fed the control diet as compared to those fed baobab seed cake based diets. The incorporation of baobab seed cake in broiler chick diets economically reduced the total feed cost. Baobab seed cake can therefore be a valuable ingredient in broiler chick diets at 10 % inclusion level as it maximizes financial returns.   

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ISSN 2071 - 7024

Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences

The Journal of Applied BioSciences