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SUMMARYTwo experiments done at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in 1992/93 investigated the effects of dietary levels of thevetia cake on the performance and nutrient retention of broilers. In Expt 1, dayold broiler chicks were fed either a control diet or diets containing 5, 10 or 15% thevetia cake during a 4-week period. In Expt 2, day-old broiler chicks were fed a standard diet until 4 weeks of age and were then switched to diets containing 0, 5, 10 or 15% thevetia cake. Inclusion of thevetia cake in broiler diets, irrespective of level of inclusion, drastically reduced feed intake and weight gain (p < 0·01) at both the starter and finisher stages. Dietary thevetia cake also caused a significant increase in mortality rate (P < 0·01). There was a reduction in protein and fibre retention and dietary ME with increases in the dietary level of thevetia cake at both the starter and finisher stages (P < 0·05). It is concluded that thevetia cake is toxic to broilers and needs further processing before it can effectively be used as an ingredient in broiler feed.

S U M M A R YThe effects of replacing 0, 25, 50 or 100 % of dietary palm oil (5 %) with oil of Thevetia peruviana was investigated using broiler chicks 0-3 weeks old.Increasing the content of thevetia oil in the diet reduced average daily feed intake and weight gain ( P < 0 0 5 ) and decreased protein and fibre retention (P < 005) and fat retention (P < 001). However, there was no significant effect on feed: gain ratio or mortality rate. It is concluded that there is a need for further processing of thevetia oil before it can be used effectively as an ingredient in broiler feed.