Utilization of increasing levels of cassava root meal in the diet of broiler

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using increasing levels of cassava root meal in the diet of broilers, estimated by the performance and yield of carcasses, cuts, and viscera over, in the period 10 to 42 days of life. A completely randomized design was carried out, with four treatments and four repetitions. The experimental unit consisted of 16 male and female Cobb 500 chickens (a total of 256 birds) that were 10 to 42 days old. The treatments consisted of four diets with 0%, 7.5%, 15%, and 22.5% of cassava root meal (CRM) in three feeding programs. At 42 days old, four birds per unit were slaughtered and the carcass yield, main cuts, and edible viscera were evaluated. The inclusion of levels of 15% and 22.5% of CRM in the diet of broiler had a negative influence on weight gain, food consumption, and feed conversion in the initial period and in the overall growth of the birds. Carcass yield, cuts, and viscera were not influenced by the diet. Based on the results, it is recommended that a maximum of 7.5% of the cassava root bran may be used in the diet of broilers of the Cobb 500 strain, over 10 to 42 days, without compromising the zootechnical performance of the birds or the yield of edible carcasses, cuts, and viscera.