EVALUATION OF THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF WHOLE CASSAVA PLANT MEAL (WCPM) AS A REPLACEMENT FOR MAIZE IN COCKEREL CHICKS DIETS IN THE HUMID TROPICS

Abstract

This study carried out to evaluate the nutritive value of whole cassava plant meal (WCPM) as a replacement for maize in the diets of cockerel chicks. Two hundred and four goldline strain day old cockerel chicks were used in the study, which lasted six weeks. The birds were randomly divided into three diets with each diet having three replications. WCPM that had crude protein value close to maize developed. The developed WCPM the ratio of 2:5:1 of cassava to cassava leaves and tender stems. The ratio of cassava leaves to tender was 5:1. Diet 1 was maize based and served as the control. Diet 2 had 50% maize in diet 1 replaced with WCPM and diet 3 had 100% maize in diet 1 replaced with WCPM. The diets were formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the birds. The design of the study was completely randomized design. The results obtained showed that the feed intake (37.40g/d/bird 39.21g/d/bird), body weight gain (7.28g/d/bird 10.12g/d/bird) and feed to gain ratio (3.70-5.27) were significantly (P<0.05) affected  the increasing levels of WCPM in diets. Highest values occurred in all the performance characteristics (except feed intake and feed to gain ratio) with birds on diet 1, while lowest values occurred with birds on diet 3. The haematological indices showed highest values with birds on diet 1, (P<0.05) while lowest values occurred with birds in diet 3. The economics of production was best with birds on diet 2. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that WCPM can be incorporated into the diet of cockerel chicks to replace 50% of maize without any negative effect on the performance and haematological indices. It also enhances better economics of production.