The study investigated the use of dried goat rumen contents (DGRC) on growth performance of broiler chickens. Rumen contents were obtained from goats immediately after slaughter during the wet season, sundried, milled and incorporated in experimental diets at levels of 0, 5 and 10%. The 0% DGRC diet was the control. The experimental diets were formulated on iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous principles in line with the nutritional requirements for growing broiler birds. Experimental birds were first fed on a common starter broiler diet comprising of 21% CP and 3100 Kcal/kg feed from 0 to 21 days of age; thereafter the birds (21-42 days) were allotted to the experimental treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. A cage with 10 birds was the experimental unit. Experimental diets were offered in the morning and evening, water was provided ad lib. Feed offered and leftovers were weighed daily, and body weight changes were recorded on a weekly basis. The results showed that birds on the 5% diet had significantly (Linear, Quadratic P<0.05) higher final body weights (FBWs), average daily gain (ADG) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those o on diets with 0 and 10% DGRC. Apparent and ileal digestibility of nutrients was improved with incorporation of dried goat rumen contents in the diets. Sensory analysis showed that meat from birds on 5% DGRC diet had (P<0.05) more oil content and softer meat across diets. It is concluded that, use of dried goat rumen contents (DGRC) in broiler diets improves growth performance and organoleptic qualities of broiler chicken meat.
This study was conducted with the aim of finding how rumen contents are used in livestock diets, problems encountered and areas that needs improvement to enhance livestock production. One hundred livestock farmers from Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that majority of the work force involved in livestock farming were middle aged adults between 30 and 45 years contributing 37% of total work force; this was followed by young adults between 20 and 30 years contributing 26% of the work force. The highest household (HH) size was (1-5) people contributing 68% of the total HH structure. Poultry farming, indigenous birds in particular were the most practiced enterprise among the respondents. High feed input prices (67%) were reported as the biggest problem faced by livestock farmers, followed by feed adulteration (44%). The use of peels and industrial by-products was reported as the most commonly used alternative feeding strategies to increasing feed prices. The use of rumen contents was still low and limited to pigs and layers. Inadequate knowledge in relation to rumen content inclusion rates in livestock diets was reported as the major hindrance to utilization of rumen contents in livestock. In general, farmers need sensitization from extension staff and research scientists with regard to efficient use of rumen contents in livestock diets.
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