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PubMed2006

Effect of supplementation on the feed intake and performance of confined and scavenging crossbred growing chickens in Burkina Faso.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of crossbred growing chickens (Rhode Island Red x indigenous Burkina Faso hens) from 6 to 17 weeks of age, under five feeding/management regimes: (1) CMx(+), confined and given a mixed feed containing cracked maize and cowpea and a vitamin-mineral premix ad libitum; (2) CS(+), confined and offered ad libitum a choice of cracked maize and cowpea with the premix; (3) ScS(+), scavenging from 09:00 to 16:00 with the diet in treatment (2) available from 16:00 to 09:00; (4) ScS(-), treatment (3) but without the premix; and (5) ScO, scavenging only, with no supplements provided. Daily dry matter (DM) intake was highest for CS(+) (43.5 g), and lowest for CMx(+) (33.6 g) (p < 0.05), with intermediate intakes for ScS(+) and Sc(-) of 36.7 g and 36.2 g, respectively. The ratios of intakes of cowpea to maize were 50:50, 21:79, 27:73 and 22:78 for CMx(+), CS(+), ScS(+) and ScS(-), respectively (p < 0.05). Dietary concentrations of crude protein (CP) were 15.7%, 11.5%, 12.3% and 11.6% of DM for CMx(+), CS(+), ScS(+) and ScS(-), respectively. Average daily gains (ADG) were 8.15 g, 5.24 g, 6.03 g, 5.36 g and 4.45 g for CMx(+), CS(+), ScS(+), ScS(-) and ScO, respectively, and were significantly higher for CMx(+) (p < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was highest for CS(+) and lowest for CMx(+). ADG of the males (6.44 g) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the females (5.86 g). Breast and thigh muscle weights were highest for ScS(+) (p < 0.05).

Animal Feed↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of Aspergillus fumigatus phytase on phosphorus digestibility, phosphorus excretion, bone strength and performance in pigs.

Phytic-phosphorus has a very low bioavailability for monogastric animals and the non-utilized mineral contributes to the phosphorus (P) pollution problems. Phytases may ameliorate phytic-P antinutritive properties. However, phytases are very sensitive to the pelleting temperature commonly used for compound feed production and thus the challenge to produce a more thermostable phytase is very important. Pure Aspergillus fumigatus phytase (AFP) has the ability to refold into a native-like fully active structure after heat denaturation (20 min at 90 degrees C). The aim of the present work was to evaluate in vitro (in feed) and in vivo in young and in growing-finishing pigs the effects of AFP included in the feed at a level of 500 U/kg. Feed supplementation with AFP resulted in an in vitro phosphorus release of about three times higher than that obtained from the basal diets, irrespective of the pH value used for the determination (5.5 or 7). When the supplemented feed was steam pelleted at about 84 degrees C, the free P obtained after incubation at pH 5.5 represented 53% on an average of that obtained from the corresponding mash diets. The phytic-P-rich diets systematically induced hypophosphataemia, hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphatasaemia. The normal blood levels of P, Ca and alkaline phosphatase were restored by AFP. P apparent digestibility was significantly higher for the AFP diet (52.8 versus 30.8%). The improvement in Ca digestibility was not statistically significant. In all three in vivo experiments, AFP significantly decreased the P concentration in faeces (between 13 and 33%) as well as increased the growth rate and decreased the feed conversion ratio. Bone strength was significantly higher in the growing-fattening pigs fed on the AFP diet.

6-Phytase↗
PubMed1999

Studies on semduramicin and nutritional responses. 1. Level and source of protein.

An experiment was conducted to determine whether feeding semduramicin at recommended levels (25 mg/kg) would affect the broiler chicken's response to dietary protein; and to determine whether protein source (all vegetable, corn and soybean meal, vs 12% high animal protein ingredients) would affect the response to semduramicin. Semduramicin was fed to half of 1,584 male Ross x Ross broilers in floor pens during the growing phase (18 to 35 d). Three protein fortification levels were also fed with protein and amino acid minimum restrictions at 80, 100, and 120% of NRC (1994) recommendations. At 35 d, semduramicin was found to cause a slight growth depression in body weight gain only when low protein levels were fed (P = 0.051). After a 7-d withdrawal period, compensatory gains occurred (P = 0.006) such that there was no interaction effect of semduramicin by protein level for 42-d body weight (P = 0.75). Birds fed the diets containing high animal protein were slightly heavier than those fed control diets containing all-vegetable protein (2.40+/-0.02 vs 2.36+/-0.01 kg/bird; P = 0.059). Semduramicin feeding did not affect feed consumption (2.43+/-0.03 vs 2.40+/-0.02 kg per bird during the growing period when it was fed) so that overall feed conversion ratios were identical to two decimal places (1.90+/-0.02 vs 1.90+0.02). Neither did semduramicin affect feathering score or weight of the No. 8 primary feather, except that feather weight tended to be improved by semduramicin feeding with the diets containing ingredients high in animal protein (P = 0.067).

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed2004

Growth and development of catla (Catla catla) fed with different levels of diet containing Spirogyra sp.

The effect of Spirogyra sp. incorporated into diet formulations on the growth and body composition of Indian major carp, catla (Catla catla) was investigated in a 45 days feeding trial. Spirogyra dry powder was mixed with different feed ingredients in different amounts (0%, 10%, 25%, 37% and 40% of the total feed). Carps fed with Spirogyra demonstrated higher feed conversion ratio. The study also revealed a direct relationship between the amount of Spirogyra in the diet, and muscle protein and fat contents in the fish. In general, this study demonstrated the benefits of incorporating Spirogyra into carp feeds.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1992

Barley inclusion and avoparcin supplementation in broiler diets. 2. Clinical, pathological, and bacteriological findings in a mild form of necrotic enteritis.

The clinical, pathological, and bacteriological findings of a mild form of necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler chickens are presented. The term subclinical NE (SNE) is proposed for this condition. A diagnosis of SNE was based on the detection of macroscopically visible, focal necrotic lesions in the small intestinal mucosa. The ileal gut contents from SNE birds yielded increased numbers of Clostridium perfringens and reduced numbers of coliform bacteria. Reduced numbers of lactobacilli and streptococci were detected in birds from SNE pens and coccidial oocysts were not found in the rectal contents of SNE birds. Statistical analyses showed strong correlations between SNE and increased feed conversion ratio and retarded growth rate. An increased occurrence of SNE was observed in birds on a diet containing a large amount of barley.

Animal Feed↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Multiple trait model combining random regressions for daily feed intake with single measured performance traits of growing pigs.

A random regression model for daily feed intake and a conventional multiple trait animal model for the four traits average daily gain on test (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass lean content and meat quality index were combined to analyse data from 1449 castrated male Large White pigs performance tested in two French central testing stations in 1997. Group housed pigs fed ad libitum with electronic feed dispensers were tested from 35 to 100 kg live body weight. A quadratic polynomial in days on test was used as a regression function for weekly means of daily feed intake and to describe its residual variance. The same fixed (batch) and random (additive genetic, pen and individual permanent environmental) effects were used for regression coefficients of feed intake and single measured traits. Variance components were estimated by means of a Bayesian analysis using Gibbs sampling. Four Gibbs chains were run for 550000 rounds each, from which 50000 rounds were discarded from the burn-in period. Estimates of posterior means of covariance matrices were calculated from the remaining two million samples. Low heritabilities of linear and quadratic regression coefficients and their unfavourable genetic correlations with other performance traits reveal that altering the shape of the feed intake curve by direct or indirect selection is difficult.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2006

Effect of formic acid on performance, digestibility, intestinal histomorphology and plasma metabolite levels of broiler chickens.

1. The effect of dietary formic acid on performance, digestibility, intestinal histomorphology and plasma metabolite levels of broiler chickens was studied. 2. An experiment with 120 Ross male broiler chickens was conducted from 1 to 42 d of age at the laboratory. There were 4 treatment groups: control (C), 10 mg/kg feed avilamycin (AV) and formic acid at two concentrations, 5 and 10 g/kg feed (FA5 and FA10, respectively). 3. No differences in weight gain, feed intake or feed conversion ratio were observed in male broiler chickens fed on the different diets. 4. An effect of the additives on ileal dry matter (DM) digestibility at 42 d of age was detected with the finisher diets; AV and 10 g/kg of feed formic acid slightly improved ileal DM digestibility compared to the other treatment groups. 5. Jejunum pH was not affected when 5 or 10 g/kg formic acid was added, and the results do not clearly show a positive effect of formic acid on the intestinal histomorphology. 6. No differences were noticed for blood metabolites in the different diets, and the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the plasma were not altered by formic acid addition. 7. In conclusion, when using broiler chickens under conditions of good hygiene, dietary formic acid did not have a clear positive effect on performance, intestinal histomorphology or plasma metabolite levels; however, there was a slight positive effect on the ileal digestibility of nutrients.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1980

Evaluation of the efficacy of salinomycin in the control of coccidiosis in chicks.

Salinomycin (Coxistac) was tested for efficacy in broilers reared in floor pens at 60 and 80 ppm fed continuously from 1 to 56 days of age. One trial was conducted. Comparisons were made with unmedicated, infected and medicated, noninfected treatments (controls) in addition to infected treatments given either monensin at 100 ppm or halofuginone at 3 ppm continuously (days 1 to 56) in the feed. Coccidia exposure was obtained by infection via the feed. Salinomycin was highly efficacious at 60 ppm based upon improved performance, lesion score, hematocrit, and serum optical density compared with the unmedicated, infected group. Statistical analysis of main effects on weight gain, feed conversion ratio, hematocrit value, and serum optical density showed no significant differences between salinomycin, monensin, or halofuginone. The weight gain of birds given salinomycin at 80 ppm was depressed significantly (P less than .01) at 56 days as a result of decreased feed consumption.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Concentrations of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in duodenum and pancreas as affected by the ratio of arginine to lysine and source of methionine in broilers under heat stress.

An experiment was designed to investigate the effect of Arg, Lys, Met, and environmental temperature on broiler performance and associated changes in duodenal and pancreatic polyamines. Two groups of 26-d-old Ross male broilers raised under thermoneutral (TN) conditions were reallocated to 4 rooms kept at heat stress (HS) or TN. Birds were fed equimolar amounts of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMB) or DL-Met (DLM) at requirement levels with Arg:Lys at 0.95 or 1.40. Twelve replicates of 4 birds were offered each diet ad libitum. Body weight gain, efficiency of dietary CP accretion (CPE), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were ascertained from 26 to 33 d and from 34 to 47 d of age. One bird per cage was killed at 33 and 47 d, and samples of duodenum and pancreas were assayed for putrescine, spermidine, and spermine (Spm), together with estimates of duodenal villus height. From 26 to 33 d, birds fed HMB performed better than those fed DLM, but only at TN conditions. From 34 to 47 d, feeding HMB tended to optimize CPE when added to diets high in Arg. However, lower CPE was obtained when HMB was added to low-Arg diets, whereas birds fed DLM were unaffected by these treatments (P < 0.10). Methionine source, Arg:Lys, or both affected the concentrations of duodenal and pancreatic polyamines, with some changes correlating with performance variables during HS (P > 0.05). It was found that HS caused lower tissue spermidine (P < 0.001) and higher pancreatic Spm (P = 0.08) from 34 to 47 d. Putrescine concentrations were affected by diet and HS, depending on tissue and experimental period. Pancreatic Spm correlated negatively with changes in CPE influenced by Arg:Lys by Met source interaction in chronically heat-stressed birds. The possible association between polyamine metabolism and some of the effects of the Arg:Lys by Met source interaction observed in chronically stressed birds deserves further investigation.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

The response of male chicken broilers to the dietary addition of virginiamycin.

Two replicate trials, each involving 400 Arbor Acre male broiler chicks, were conducted to determine the effect of virginiamycin as a growth promoter when added to either the feed or drinking water. A control group received no growth promoter while one treatment group was provided a diet containing 11 mg of virginiamycin/kg. Another treatment group was provided drinking water containing virginiamycin in amounts calculated to ensure equivalent or one-half equivalent intake of the antibiotic. Virginiamycin supplementation had no significant (P greater than .05) effect on mortality or feed conversion ratios, regardless of the mode of administration. Body weights at 21 days of age but not at 42 days of age were significantly (P less than .05) heavier for broilers receiving virginiamycin via the drinking water. The inclusion of virginiamycin in the feed failed to improve body weights at either 21 or 42 days of age.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2004

The effects of hen vocalizations on chick feeding behavior.

The purpose of this study was to determine if playing hen calls at the feeder affects broiler chick productivity and welfare. Hatched chicks (n = 832) were equally placed into 16 pens. Broilers in 8 treated pens received 3 min of hen-feeding calls once each hour during the first 9 d of age; broilers in the other 8 pens received no recorded hen vocalizations during the same period. After d 9, recorded hen vocalizations ceased and all birds were treated identically. Through 9 d of age, chicks receiving recorded hen vocalizations had improved (P < or = 0.05) feed conversion ratios, and these chicks weighed more (139.12+/-1.52 g vs. 133.17+/-1.59 g for control chicks; P < or = 0.01). The behavior data showed that on d 1, 4, and 7, more (P < or = 0.05) chicks receiving recorded hen vocalizations were found within 0.61 m of the speaker than control chicks. Following recorded hen vocalization cessation on d 9, birds and feed were weighed on 17, 24, 31, and 38 d of age, and carcass yield was measured on d 40. There were no differences in BW, feed efficiency, or carcass yield after recorded hen vocalization ceased. These data suggest that after d 9, differences became nonsignificant, corresponding to when recorded hen vocalization stopped. Behavior data demonstrated that chicks appear to be attracted when stimulated with recorded hen vocalizations, thus remaining in close proximity to the speaker. Evidence suggests that hen vocalization improves production and attraction to hen vocalization with known improvements in BW and feed conversion during the first 9 d posthatch.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1984

Effect of dietary phosphorus level and source on productive performance and egg quality of two commercial strains of laying hens.

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of dietary total phosphorus (TP) level and source on the performance of two strains of commercial layers for two consecutive production years (26 to 68 and 76 to 116 weeks of age, respectively). Diet 1 contained .4% TP; Diets 2, 3 and 4 contained .5, .6, and .7% TP with supplemental P from dicalcium phosphate (DCP); Diets 5 and 6 contained .5 and .6% TP, respectively, with supplemental P from a sample of raw rock phosphate (RRP-1); Diets 7 and 8 contained .5 and .6% TP, respectively, with supplemental P from a second sample of raw rock phosphate (RRP-2). Calcium level was 2.75% in all diets, and crushed oyster shell provided ad libitum to all birds increased the total calcium to about 3.00%. Diet 1 was inferior to the average of all supplemented diets relative to feed consumption rate (P less than .005) and egg weight (P less than .005) during the first year. Diet 1 was also inferior relative to egg production rate (P less than .01), feed consumption rate (P less than .005), and egg weight (P less than .005) during the second year, whereas it was superior in shell quality (P less than .05) during the first year. Increasing TP from DCP resulted in a significant linear increase in feed consumption (P less than .05), feed conversion ratio, and Haugh units (P less than .005). Increasing TP from DCP also resulted in a significant linear decrease in shell quality (P less than .05) and significant linear and quadratic decreases in egg weight (P less than .005) during the first year. During the second year, increasing TP from DCP resulted in a significant linear decrease in egg production rate (P less than .005) and feed efficiency but significant linear (P less than .01) and quadratic (P less than .05) increases in feed consumption, and significant linear and quadratic increases (P less than .005) in Haugh units. Hens receiving RRP diets responded differently during the first and second years. The DCP supported greater egg weight than the RRP during the second year and permitted better feed conversion during both years. Strain A produced larger eggs than Strain B regardless of treatment (P less than .005). When egg production rate and most other response criteria were considered, .5% TP with DCP as the supplemental source gave the best results in both production years. A TP of .6% from RRP-2 gave similar results in both years.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Efficiency of Echinacea purpurea on performance and immune status in pigs.

The aim of the present investigation was to examine the inclusion of the dried herb Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH as feed additive in diets of sows, piglets, and grower/finisher pigs on growth performance, blood picture, plasma enzymes including proliferation of lymphocytes, antibody status, and protein and immune globulin content of colostrum. The control groups were supplemented with alfalfa meal. The sows (total 36) received 0%, 1.2%, or 3.6% Echinacea cobs in the diet from day 85 to day 110 of gestation and 0%, 0.5%, or 1.5% Echinacea cobs up to day 28 of lactation. No significant differences were found for growth performance, weight loss, blood picture, plasma enzymes, and colostrum composition. Performance of the sucking piglets was not impaired either during lactation or during a 4 week observation period after weaning. The health status was similar in all treatment groups. In a second experiment, lasting 6 weeks, with 36 piglets (5.8-22.1 kg body weight), 1.8% Echinacea cobs, or 20 mg/kg feed Flavomycin were supplemented. No significant differences were found for the recorded parameters. Feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg gain) of the Echinacea group was slightly (4%) increased (1.54 vs. 1.60). In a third trial, 48 grower/finisher pigs were used during a 9-week experimental period with two supplementation phases (weeks 1-3 and weeks 7-9). The experimental groups received 0%, 1.5% cobs or 4-6 ml pressed juice (commercial standard) per day respectively. Vaccination with Swine erysipelas was implemented in weeks 1 and 5 to determine the specific immune response. Growth performance and blood picture for all groups were similar, however, feed conversion of both Echinacea supplemented groups was significantly (p < 0.03) better than of the unsupplemented control group (2.44 vs. 2.51). In addition, the Swine erysipelas antibodies showed a marked significance (p < 0.05) in regard of altitude in both supplemented groups. It is concluded, that E. purpurea might be used as a feed additive to achieve immune stimulating efficiency in pig production and increase feed-to-gain-conversion. The efficiency of cobs is comparable to a commercial juice product.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1997

Effect of feeding diets containing an antibiotic, a probiotic, or yucca extract on growth and intestinal urease activity in broiler chicks.

A 6-wk study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding diets containing an antibiotic, a probiotic, or yucca extract on daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and urease activity and ammonia production in intestinal contents of broiler chicks. Four replicates of 10 broiler chicks (average body weight, 48 g) each were assigned to a control or diets containing 0.1% chloroxytetracycline (antibiotic), 0.1% Lactobacillus casei (probiotic), or 0.2% yucca extract. Feeding a diet containing the probiotic significantly (P < 0.05) increased average daily gain during the first 3-wk period compared to the control (30.7 vs 28.7 g). This increase was partly accounted for by increased feed intake. During the first 3 wk, feeding the diet containing probiotic significantly (P < 0.05) decreased urease activity (per gram of collected contents) in small intestinal contents but not in large intestinal contents, compared with the control. Urease activity determined at 6 wk of age was not significantly affected by diet. Our studies indicate that dietary probiotic decreases urease activity in the small intestinal contents of young chicks and thus may be beneficial for improving animal health and growth, especially during early life.

Ammonia↗
PubMed2004

Effects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, breed and dietary vitamin E on the fatty acids of lamb muscle, liver and adipose tissue.

The effect of feeding n-3 PUFA on the fatty acid composition of muscle, adipose tissue and liver of lambs was investigated. Groups of eight ram lambs per breed, SuffolkxLleyn (24 kg live weight) and Scottish Blackface (18 kg live weight), were each fed one of six diets containing one of three fat sources (50 g fatty acids/kg DM; Megalac((R)) (calcium soap of palm fatty acid distillate; Volac Ltd, Royston, Herts., UK) and formaldehyde-treated whole linseed (Trouw Nutrition UK, Northwich, Ches., UK) either alone or with fish oil (1:1, w/w) and either 100 or 500 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg DM. Feed was offered ad libitum until slaughter at approximately half breed mature live weight. The type of dietary fat had no effect on intake, growth rate or feed conversion ratio. The 3.0-fold higher concentration of 18 : 3n-3 in the linseed compared with the Megalac((R)) diet approximately doubled (P<0.001) the concentration in the neutral and polar lipid fractions of musculus semimembranosus and liver, and in adipose tissue it increased 2.5-fold. Feeding protected linseed also increased (P<0.001) concentrations of 20 : 5n-3 and 22 : 5n-3 in muscle polar lipids and both lipid fractions of liver. The linseed-fish oil raised the 20 : 5n-3 concentrations above those for the linseed diet and also increased 22 : 6n-3. Scottish Blackface lambs had lower concentrations of 18 : 3n-3 in all lipids compared with Suffolk x Lleyn lambs, but more 20 : 5n-3 in the polar lipids of muscle and liver. High levels of dietary vitamin E were associated with small decreases in the concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids and increases in PUFA. Linseed raised the PUFA : saturated fatty acid ratios in liver and adipose tissue but not in muscle, and improved the n-6 : n-3 fatty acid ratio, as did the linseed-fish oil. Different combinations of dietary fatty acids and better protection against rumen biohydrogenation are required to improve muscle PUFA : saturated fatty acids ratios.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1987

Abomasal pH, nutrient digestibility, and growth of Holstein bull calves fed acidified milk replacer.

Our objective was to compare nutrient digestion and utilization, amount and pattern of intake, and pH profile over time of abomasal contents in calves offered acidified milk replacer ad libitum or regular (sweet) milk replacer twice daily at 10% of body weight per day. Ten Holstein bull calves were fed replacers reconstituted to 13% dry matter for 4 wk. Daily milk replacer and water consumption and weekly body weight were recorded. Other variables were measured during the 2nd and 4th wk. Calves offered acidified replacer consumed more dry matter and gained more body weight than did calves fed sweet replacer; however, there was no difference in feed conversion ratio. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, nitrogen, and retention of absorbed nitrogen were not affected by treatment. Acidified milk replacer offered ad libitum lowered the pH of abomasal contents and feces compared to regular replacer offered at 10% of body weight per day. Feeding patterns of calves offered acidified replacer ad libitum were variable. No adverse effects of feeding acidified milk replacer were noted.

Abomasum↗
PubMed1992

Beak trimming and sex effects on behavior and performance traits of large white turkeys.

The effects of beak trimming at day old on performance and behavioral activities of male and female Large White turkeys were evaluated. One hundred and twenty poults of each sex were evenly assigned to 20 treatment pens and evaluated for body weight, feed usage, and livability characteristics to 18 wk of age. Behavioral observations were conducted for feeding, drinking, sleeping, huddling, resting, and agonistic activities. Beak trimming affected body weight and feed usage levels for the sexes differently. From 6 wk, trimmed males were significantly heavier than untrimmed males, whereas untrimmed females were heavier than trimmed females from 12 wk. Similar to body weights, feed usage levels from 13 to 18 wk were higher for trimmed males compared with untrimmed males and lower for trimmed females compared with untrimmed females. Feed conversion ratios after 12 wk and survival to 18 wk were not affected by trimming treatment. Livability rates, however, were lowest for untrimmed males and highest for untrimmed females. Effects on behavioral activities were confined primarily to the brooding and early rearing phases. Beak trimming reduced feeding activity of females and drinking activity of both males and females during the first 2 wk. Sleeping, huddling, and resting activities were increased by beak trimming for both sexes during brooding. Agonistic acts were reduced by beak trimming main effect at 3 and 6 wk. Trimmed males committed fewer agonistic acts at 6 wk than untrimmed males.

Agonistic Behavior↗
PubMed2004

Roasted full-fat kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and soyabeans (Glycine max) meals in broiler chicken diet.

An 8-week experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed on diets containing either roasted full-fat soyabean meal (RSBM), roasted full-fat kidney bean meal (RKBM), cottonseed cake meal (CSM) or soyabean meal (SBM). A total of 240 unsexed, day-old-chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments so that there were 10 chicks per experimental unit in a randomized complete block design with three blocks and two replicates per block. Cumulative feed intake was depressed (p < 0.01) with the RSBM-based diet (71 g/bird per day) and was lowest with the RKBM-based diet (64 g/bird per day). Growth was closely related to feed intake, averaging 2122 g, 2094 g, 1960 g and 1601 g for CSM-, SBM-, RSBM- and RKBM-based diets, respectively. However, feed conversion ratio (g food intake/g body weight gain) was similar at 8 weeks of birds' age, although the values were highest (p<0.01) at the first 2 weeks of age for birds fed on RKBM-based diets. Mortality was not affected (p >0.05) by treatment effects. Feed cost efficiency (CFA Franc (Fcfa) per kilogram live chicken) showed that the SBM-based diet (494 Fcfa) and RKBM-based diet (493 Fcfa) were more expensive (p<0.01) than the RSBM-based diet (400 Fcfa). The CSM-based diet was the most economical (358 Fcfa) as a result of the lower market price of cottonseed cake. Despite suboptimal production performance and given current market prices, replacing imported SBM with locally produced RKBM, RSBM or CSM would allow farmers to save 1%, 19% and 28%, respectively, on feed cost efficiency. Roasting soyabeans in place of imported SBM allowed farmers to save about 19% for each CFA franc spent on a kilogram of live bird at 8 weeks of age.

Analysis of Variance↗