RESPONSE OF BROILER STARTER CHICKENS FED KAURA BASED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ENZYMES

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens fed Kaura based diets supplemented with Ronozyme phytase, Ronozyme protease and Roxazyme G2 G and a combination of protease and G2 G. Four hundred broiler chicks were allotted in a completely randomized design to five (5) dietary treatments each replicated thrice, with25 chicks per replicate. Treatment 1 was maize based diet; T2, Kaura based diet with phytase; T3, Kaura based diet with protease; T4, Kaura based diet withG2 G; and T5, Kaura based diet with a combination of protease and G2 G. The diets were formulated to meet standard requirements. Water and feed were offered to the birds ad libitum for the four-week period of the experiment. Data collected included the initial and final weight, weight gain and feed consumption were recorded on weekly basis. Feed/gain ratio was computed for each treatment. Blood samples were also taken from the birds for blood haematology. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance and significant differences among treatment means were compared using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the final body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed/gain ratio. Birds fed Kaura with protease and G2 G inclusion had significantly (P<0.05) highest final body weight and weight gain. Feed/gain ratio, feed cost and feed cost/Kg gain were not significantly (P>0.05) different. All the parameters measured for blood quality were not significantly (P>0.05) different for all the treatments. It may be concluded that G2 G and the combination with Protease in Kaura based diets improved growth performance optimally for broiler starter chicks. Blood quality was not compromised with Kaura diets supplemented with enzymes.