Effect of Varying Levels of Acha (digitaria Exilis) Husk as a Substitute for Wheat Offal on the Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of varying levels of acha (Digitaria exilis) husk as a substitute for wheat offal on the performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-five day-old chicks were randomly allocated to five treatments group with 39 birds per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times with 13 birds per replicate in complete randomized design. Five dietary treatments were formulated. The diets contained acha husk at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels, replacing wheat offal. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Results showed that chicks fed diets containing acha husk at 20% had the highest final weight (2.69 kg), daily weight gain (47.58 g), and the best feed conversion ratio (1.50) compared to the control group (P<0.05). The cost of feeding the broiler chickens decreased with increasing levels of acha husk inclusion (P<0.05). Acha husk inclusion at 20% level increased the weight of gizzard, liver, heart, and spleen (P<0.05) compared to the control group. In conclusion, acha husk can be effectively included in broiler diets at up to 20% level as a substitute for wheat offal without compromising performance, hence improving feed conversion ratio and reducing feed cost. Acha husk inclusion at this level also increase the weight of some vital organs. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of acha husk on broiler performance and meat quality.