Performance and Tibia Characteristics of Chickens Fed Cassava Chips Supplemented with Dl-Methionine
A. D. Ologhobo *
Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Samuel Etop
Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
O. A. Ogunwole
Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
G. O. Adeyemo
Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
I. O. Adejumo
Department of Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety Laboratory, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
Adeoye David
Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the effect of cassava chips and DL-methionine supplementation on performance and tibia bone characteristics of broiler chickens. Broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 20 treatments in a 4x5 factorial arrangement with 5 dietary levels of cassava chips (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 corn replacement) and 4 dietary levels of DL-methionine supplementation (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2% i.e. 0, ½ NRC, NRC and double NRC 1994 recommended levels). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. At starter phase, birds on cassava chips-based diets had significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gain (BWG) than the control. Those on 25% cassava chip-based diet compared well with the control. Methionine supplement improved BWG at both starter and finisher phases. Cassava chips supplemented with DL-methionine can replace corn 100.00% in broiler chickens diet.
Keywords: Broiler chickens, cassava-chips, DL-methionine, performance, tibia bone