Microbial Enzyme Supplementation of Broiler Chicken Diets Containing Cassava Pulp

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to diet containing varying levels - 0 (Control), 100 (Low), 150 (High) g of cassava pulp (CSP)/kg diet and supplemented with exogenous microbial enzymes. Feed intake was not affected by the level of CSP in the diet but was reduced (P<0.001) by inclusion of microbial enzymes. The 35-day (final) body weight was reduced (P<0.001) by increasing the level of CSP in the diet but this did not respond to supplementation with microbial enzyme. The final body weight of Control, Control plus enzyme, Low CSP, Low CSP pluz enzyme, High CSP and High CSP plus enzyme was 1868.3, 1861.3, 1773.1, 1806.7, 1665.7, and 1697.8 g, respectively. Chilled carcass weight and breast meat yeild declined (P<0.001) with increasing level of CSP in the diet while the weight of drumsticks and thighs also declined (P<0.01) with CSP inclusion level. The microbial enzymes in diet improved all variables but not significantly. The results demonstrate that CSP could be included in broiler chicken diets at up to 10%, and supplementation with appropriate microbial enzymes will be of some benefit.