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Growth performance and blood indices of broiler finisher birds fed enzyme-fortified (maxi grain) rice milling waste


A.C. Esiegwu
V.N. Okonkwo

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of enzyme fortified (Maxi grain) rice milling waste on the performance and blood indices of finisher broilers. The enzyme fortified (Maxi grain) rice milling waste was used to make broiler finisher diets at 0.0%, 5.0%, 10.0%, and 15.0% inclusion levels, respectively. These were then used to raise groups of 30 broiler finishers in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 4 weeks (28 days). At the end of the 28 days feeding trial, 3 birds were selected from each group for blood indices evaluation. The average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake showed no treatment effect (P > 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 10% and 15% dietary levels. The feed cost per kg meat was lowest at 15.0% dietary levels. There were no treatment effect on all the haematological and some serum biochemical indices analysed. It was therefore concluded that enzyme fortified (Maxi grain) rice milling waste can serve as feed ingredient at 10% - 15% dietary levels due to cost effectiveness.

Keywords: Performance, blood indices, broiler finisher, enzyme, rice milling waste


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eISSN: 1597-1074