ABSTRACT
Broiler chicks were fed diets containing 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 or
50% sunflower seed (SFS) during the starter and finisher phases.
Increase in dietary level of SFS above 20% caused a
significant decrease in feed intake, weight gain and increase in
feed conversion ratio (P<0.05) during the starter phase(0-4 weeks).
During the finisher phase(5-8 weeks), birds fed with 50% SFS had a
lower feed intake and weight gain compared to birds fed the other
diets (P<0.05). Feedcost/kg weight gain were lower for birds fed
diet with 40 or 50% SFS (P<0.05). However, there was no
significant effect of the dietary level of SFS on mortality rate
(P>0.05) both at the starter and finisher phases.
Over the 8 week experimental period, increase in dietary level
of SFS above 20% caused a decrease in feed intake , weight gain and
feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). Dietary levels of SFS above 3 0%
also reduced carcass and gizzard weight (P>0.05) but had no
significant effect on other organs (P>0.05). It is concluded that
broilers could tolerate up to 20% SFS without detrimental effect on
performance.
Do you need help? Talk to us right now: (+234) 08060082010, 08107932631 (Call/WhatsApp). Email: [email protected].
IF YOU CAN'T FIND YOUR TOPIC, CLICK HERE TO HIRE A WRITER»
