Utilization of Composite Mango (Mangifera indica) Fruit Reject Meal in Starter Broiler Chicks Feeding

Abstract

Aim: To determine macro chemical composition of mango (Mangifera indica) fruit reject meal (MFRM) and its effects on the performance of starter broiler chicks. Methodology: The research was carried out at the Poultry house of the Livestock Unit, Teaching and Research Farm, University of Agriculture Makurdi, within (28 days) September, 2013. Day-old broiler chicks numbering 200, were grouped into five (5) with each group replicated four times and assigned to diets containing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% mango fruit reject meal (MFRM) in completely randomized design, and fed for 28 days. Results: MFRM contained low CP (3.24%). Performance parameters such as daily feed intake and weight gain were significantly reduced (P < .05) from 15% MFRM (35.40 g/day and 15.82 g/day) upward but comparable with control (36.94 g/day and 18.46 g/day) up to 10% MFRM (36.31 g/day and 17.81 g/day) in diets. Cost per kg weight gain ($1.05 – $1.13) was not significantly affected (P > .05) among treatment groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that MFRM has low protein; therefore it is an energy feedstuff and 10% MFRM in broiler chicks’ diet was safe and supported growth performance.