Effects of cassava and yam peel meals on carcass traits and economics of production of finishing broilers.

Abstract

A four week study was conducted using 180 four weeks-old Abor acre broilers to determine the carcass traits and economics of production of finishing broilers fed cassava and yam peel meals as partial replacement for maize. They were randomly assigned to three treatment groups of 60 birds each. Each treatment group was replicated three times with twenty birds constituting a replicate. The three treatment groups werefed the three experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 28 days. Feed and water were provided ad libitumfor the period. Proximate composition results revealed that cassava and yam peel meals are rich in energy and minerals. Birds on diets T1and T3had similar (p > 0.05) final live and de-feathered weights, which were higher (p<0.05) than those on diet T2. Birds on diet T2 and T3had the lower (p < 0.05) carcass weight than the birds on diet T1. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the cut parts and organ weights, but there were significant differences in the dressing percentage of the birds across the treatments. Revenue generated per bird was influenced (p < 0.05) with T3birds having better income. It was concluded that sun-dried yam peel meal can replace 20 percent maize in the finishing broiler diet without adverse effects on performance and at reduced cost of production