Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed high fibre sunflower seed cake diets

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the levels of inclusion of high fibre sunflower seed cake HFSSC) protein as replacement for soybean cake protein in the diets of broiler chicken at 0,25,50,75 and 100%. At the starter phase feed intake and feed efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of HFSSC increased in the diets. Weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were however significantly (P<0.05) reduced when over 25% of HFSSC was included in the diet. At the finisher phase same trend was observed except that weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) reduced when over 50% HFSSC was included in the diet. Significant (P<0.05) differences were in liveweight, plucked and dressing percentages at the starter and finisher phases. Reduction in abdominal fat deposition was obtained at the starter and finisher phases while gizzard weights were significantly (P<0.05) increased. The results of this study show that 50% soybean cake protein in the diets of broiler chicken can be replaced by HFSSC.