Open AccessPerformance of broiler finishers fed graded levels of processed castor oil bean (Ricinus communis L) meal supplemented with DL-methionine
Author(s) -
A. O. Ani,
A. U. Okorie
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nigerian journal of animal production
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0331-2062
DOI - 10.51791/njap.v36i1.1053
Subject(s) - broiler , methionine , meal , feed conversion ratio , castor oil , ricinus , completely randomized design , dry matter , zoology , chemistry , weight gain , food science , factorial experiment , biology , body weight , biochemistry , amino acid , endocrinology , statistics , mathematics
A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of dehulled and cooked castor oil bean (Ricinus communis L) meal (CBM) and supplementary DL-methionine on growth performance and certain blood parameters of broiler finishers. One hundred and eighty 6-week old broiler birds (Anak strain) were randomly divided into 12 groups of 15 birds each. The groups were randomly assigned to 12 isocaloric (2.90 Mcal/kgME) and isonitrogenous (21.00%CP) diets in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement involving a control (0%), three cooked castor oil bean meal levels (10,15 and 20%) and three DL-methionine levels (0,0.25 and 0.5%). Each treaiment was replicated thrice with 5 birds each. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum from 42 to 70d of age. The results showed that above 15% CBM inclusion level, average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily weight gain (ADWG) were significantly (P 0.05) affected by CBM or DL-methionine, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was significantly (P<0.05) increased at 20% CBM level. Supplementation with DL-methionine improved (P<0.05) weight gain at the 15 and 20% levels of CBM inclusion; improved Hb and efficiencies of feed and protein utilization at the 20% level of CBM inclusion, improved nitrogen retention at the 0% level of CBM inclusion; improved EE retention at the O and 20% levels of CBM inclusion, and improved NFE retention at the 15% level of CBM inclusion. The results of this study indicate that processed CBM can be included in broiler finisher diet at 15% level with DL-methionine supplementation to obtain normal growth in broiler birds.