Abstract

Seasonal fluctuation in the supply of maize requires alternative energy sources to be explored to ensure optimum performance of the birds at low feed cost. The effect of replacing maize with graded levels of cassava root meal (CRM) – baobab seed meal (BSM) blend as energy source in the diets of broiler chickens is evaluated. Two hundred and forty (240) broiler chicks were used in 4 weeks of feeding trials. The prepared CRM-BSM blend were used to formulate six diets such that maize was replaced by CRM-BSM blend at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% in nutrient to nutrient inclusion rates respectively which represent T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6. The birds were weighed and allotted to six dietary treatments of 40 birds each and replicated 4 times in a completely randomized design of 10 birds per replicate. The results of the final weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p< 0.05) influenced by graded levels of cassava root meal – baobab seed meal (CRM-BSM) blend. Similar (p>0.05) statistical values of 605.33g, 524.00g, 552.67g and 495.00g were recorded for final weight in the birds fed diets containing 0% (Control), 10%, 20% and 30% CRM-BSM blend. Dietary treatment had no significant (p>0.05) effect on haematological parameters determined. The serum biochemical indices of albumin was significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, inclusion of cassava root meal– baobab seed meal blend up to 30% replacement level for maize improved growth response without hazardous effect on starter broiler chicks.