Meta-analysis of substitution value of maize with cassava (Manihot esculenta Cratnz) on growth performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

There are variable results on the effect of cassava on the performance characteristics of broiler chickens. As a result, this meta-analysis was performed to determine the effect of cassava on feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and average daily gain (ADG) in broiler chickens. A methodical search performed on Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases as well as individual journals yielded 365 published articles. Out of 365 studies, 23 that met the inclusion criteria were used for the meta-analysis. Outcome measures were pooled using a random-effects model. Results were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to explore the effects of studied covariates (broiler strain, inclusion level of cassava, number of broilers per replicate, cassava processing methods, and cassava form) on measured outcomes. Results indicated that cassava had a small positive effect on feed intake (SMD = −0.07, 95% CI −0.26, 0.12) and FCR (SMD = 0.14; 95% CI 0.82, 1.746), but a large negative effect on ADG (SMD = −1.67; 95% CI −1.99, −1.35) compared to the controls. Subgroup analysis by cassava form showed that wet fermented cassava peel meal (WFCPM) had a moderate impact on feed intake (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.47, 0.77) and ADG (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI 0.37, 0.95) in broiler chickens compared with the controls. Our results also found improved growth performance in broiler chickens fed cassava at 4–10%. There is evidence of between-study variance, and studied covariates explain most of the sources of heterogeneity. This study concluded that the replacement of maize with 4–10% WFCPM improved growth performance traits in broiler chickens.

Meta-analysis of blood indices and production physiology of broiler chickens on dietary fermented cassava intervention

“…This observation suggests that the potential to digest and utilise fermented cassava-based diets differed among broiler strains. The part of cassava used for feed formulation has been demonstrated to influence chicken productivity (Ogbuewu and Mbajiorgu 2022 ). The fact the broiler chickens fed fermented cassava pulp meal had numerically higher ADG than the control implies that the ability of broilers to utilise different cassava forms in their diet varies as confirmed by Ogbuewu and Mbajiorgu ( 2022 ) in broiler chickens fed differently processed cassava co-energy and co-protein products.…”

“…However, the contribution of poultry to enhancing food security is limited by the high cost of conventional energy feedstuffs such as maize. Maize constitutes over 50% of the poultry diets (Chukwukaelo et al 2018 ; Ogbuewu and Mbajiorgu 2022 ). The use of maize for food, animal feed, and brewing industry, among others, creates stiff competition among these end users, which in turn pushes the price of maize beyond the limits required for cost-effective and sustainable production of poultry feeds in developing countries.…”

“…The use of maize for food, animal feed, and brewing industry, among others, creates stiff competition among these end users, which in turn pushes the price of maize beyond the limits required for cost-effective and sustainable production of poultry feeds in developing countries. Thus, this has necessitated the use of cassava (Manihot species) as alternative energy sources for poultry (Aladi 2016 ; Chukwukaelo et al 2018 ; Ogbuewu and Mbajiorgu 2022 ).…”

“…The varying results in broilers offered fermented cassava could be ascribed to differences in strains of broilers used, cassava variety, type of microorganisms used for the fermentation, diet composition, and quantity of fermented cassava included in the ration shown to affect chicken performance (Ogbuewu and Mbajiorgu 2022 ). The use of meta-analysis (an advanced statistical method that combined multiple studies on the same topic) to resolve studies with conflicting findings has been reported in the literature (Ogbuewu and Mbajiorgu 2023b ; Rodrigues et al 2023 ).…”

Enhancing Broiler Chicken Growth and Carcass With Cassava Leaf Meal (Manihot esculenta)

“…Notably, among various agro-industrial crops, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and its by-products emerge as a standout option due to their regional abundance and rich nutritional composition (Omede, 2017). Recognizing the bene ts, Ogbuewu and Mbajiorgu (2022) proposed that incorporating cassava into chicken diets would not only curtail post-harvest wastage but also reduce the soaring costs of poultry feed. Therefore, utilizing cassava and its by-products as broiler feed offers a promising and sustainable solution that is accessible to the industry.…”