GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L) TESTA DIETS

Abstract

The growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Testa Meal (CTM) replacing maize offal at different levels was studied for a period of 8 weeks. One hundred and ninety five (195) day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments with 3 replicates of 13 birds each. A total of 39 birds were in a treatment group. Dietary treatment groups were 0% CTM (T1), 25% CTM (T2), 50% CTM (T3), 75% CTM (T4) and 100% CTM (T5) in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on initial body weight, Final body weight, Average Feed Intake (AFI), Average Weight Gain (AWG)

and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). The results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the FBW, AWG and FCR of broiler finishers fed dietary CTM diets. Chickens fed 100% CTM diet (T5) had highest FBW (2555.00g/bird), AWG (2515.00g/bird) and the best FCR (1.26) compared to the control and other

treatment groups. Broilers fed 100% CTM diet also had the highest AFI, indicating the palatability and acceptability of the diet. Conclusively, feeding 100% cowpea testa meal diet to broilers enhanced final body weight, average weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the chickens.