Performance and Carcass Evaluation of Broilers fed Whole Millet Meal in a Humid Tropical Environment

Abstract

This study was conducted using 96 day old broiler chicks, to assess the most appropriate level of inclusion of whole millet meal as a substitute for maize. The inclusion levels of the whole millet were 0, 20, 40 and 60% of the maize content of the control diet. The birds were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments which were replicated four times using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The study lasted for 56 days. Feed and water were provided ad libitum during the study. The weight of the birds, daily feed intake, feed cost per treatment and mortality records were kept. At the end of the experiment, one bird per replicate was randomly selected for carcass and organ evaluation. These were expressed as percentages of the body weight. Data collected were subjected to Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and errors were presented as standard errors of means (SEM). The inclusion of whole millet significantly influenced feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Significant differences were not observed in carcass, organ and other parameters measured. It was observed from this study that the performance, carcass and organ yield of broiler fed up to 60% whole millet in the diets as substitute for maize were equivalent to those fed the control diet. However, the 20% whole millet inclusion which gave the best feed conversion ratio and had similar final weight compared with the others was recommended for best broiler performance in a humid tropical environment.