Ensiled Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Peel and Caged Layers’ Manure Mixture as Energy Source in Cockerel Starter Diet

Abstract

This research was carried out in which dried cassava peel and dried caged layers' manure mixed in ratio 5:1 (w/w) was ensiled for 14 days and the mixture used to partially replace maize, an expensive energy source in broiler diets in most developing countries at 0%, 25% and 50% dietary inclusion levels. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were monitored for the 28 day period of the trial. Proximate composition of cassava peel meal, poultry manure, fermented cassava peel and dried caged layer manure and the experimental diets were carried out. The results showed that ensiled cassava peels meal evaluated improved some performance indices and positively enhanced nutrient digestibility in cockerel chickens. Therefore, ensiled mixture of cassava peel and caged layers' manure (ECPCLM) in cockerel starter diet at 50% dietary level support good energy, enhanced gain in eviscerated weight and reasonable cost per kilogramme flesh gained at the starter phase. It is suggested that the nutritive value for cockerels using ensiled cassava peels can be improved.