ABSTRACT

 This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of raw Jackfruit seed meal (JSM) partially replacing soybean in broiler chickens diet. A total number of 150 broiler chickens were used for the experiment which lasted for 49 days (7 weeks). The experiment was carried out at the Poultry Unit ofthe Teaching and Research Farm ofMichael Okpara University ofAgriculture, Umudike. The experimental birds were divided into four treatment groups denoted as T], T2, T3 and T4 containing 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% JSM respectively. Each treatment group was replicated thrice and each replicate contained at least 12 birds arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data were collected on proximate composition of experimental diet, growth performance (initial weight, final weight, daily feed intake, daily weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio), carcass characteristics and internal organ proportions. All data collected were analyzed statistically using SPSS Software Package. The dry matter and the ash increased as the level of the JSM increased in the diet. The CP and ash content ofthe JSM diets T2, T3 and T4 are higher (P<0.05) than that of the Control diet in the starter phase. Crude protein was similarly highest (P><0.05) in Tj, T2 and T3 (19.6%, 19.1% and 18.40%) but declined significantly (P><0.05) in T4 (15.0%). The result of growth performance shows that the 10% and 20% JSM diets compared with the Control diet in final weight and DFI, whereas, the 30% JSM depressed final weight (980.95g/bird) and DFI (82.84g/bird). Daily weight gain and FCR were not affected significantly (P>0.05). The inclusion of JSM significantly (P<0.05) affected the live weight, de-feathered weight, dressed,percent, thigh, drumstick, back and breast but did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the dressed weight and wings. The reduction in live weight, de-feathered weight, thigh and drumstick at the 30% JSM may be connected with anti-nutritional factors. A numerical assessment of the dressed weight shows that the Control diet performed better than the JSMcontaining diets and that T3 (20% J SM) which recorded 916.66g performed very close to the Control diet which recorded 1008.33g. The internal organs showed significant differences in small intestine and large intestine lengths. The small intestine length was highest in T3 (205.33cm) and may be connected with efficient absorption. Large intestine length decreased at 30% JSM (17.83cm) compared to 28.66cm, 28.00cm and 31.00cm respectively in Tj, T2 and T3 and the reduction may be connected with anti-nutritional factors. In conclusion, T3 containing 20% JSM recorded the highest final weight, higher live weight, de-feathered weight and dressed weight compared to the 30% and 10% JSM level and highest small intestine length which enhanced higher absorption rate. The 30% level depressed performance in terms of lowest final weight, lowest live weight, drumstick, thigh weight and shorter small intestine length. The 20% ofJSM is thus recommended as the best level to replace soybean in broiler chickens diet.