ABTRACT

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the response of broilci- chickens to diets varying in

nutrient deiisily. One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicken were rundoml assigned in' a

completely Randomized design (CR1)) experiment to four dietary treatment with 30 birds per

diet, each treatment was further sub-divided into 3 replicates of 10 chicks and they were all

managed in a deep litter house with all standard routine management practices strictly observed.

Data on growth parameter and feed intake were collected on daily and weekly basis. 1hc

experiment kisted 49 days (7 weeks) and at the end, measurements were taken for the

performance characteristics feed intake, feed — to gain ratio, haematology and serum chemistry

and economics of production. The measurements showed that birds fed diet 3 had the

numerically highest (1509.84g) value which was closely followed by cit 1 and 4 (1483.27g of

l43.$!g). [he feed —to-gain ratio showed no significant (P>0.05) difference but ranged froni

2.13 (Wet 3)10 2.36 (diet 2). '[he led conversion ratio decreased with increased nutrient density;

but the degree of difference was slightly high when compared to other treatment groups. The

dressed weight, thigh and wings showed significant (P<0.05) difference, with birds fed diet 2

having the highest dressed weight (1393.33g), while others are comparable (1100.00g). The

slaughter weight. dress percentage, breast cut, back cavity and drumstick showed no significant

difflrence (P>0.05). The result, of the haematological parameters showed no significant (P>0.05)

di f'frence among the treatments. '[his showed that the different nutrient density had no negative

ef fed on all the haematological indices rather it encouraged and maintained a balance

constituents of the blood. '[he result of the mean serum biochemical parameters in ALT, AST,

protein and albumin were significantly (P<0.05) different, while others were not. 1'he random

values obtained were within the acceptable standards. In conclusion, birds fed diet 3 gave the

best performance, followed by those in diet I. Therefore it is recommencd that diet 3 could be in

broiler diet fur improve performance and thereby reduced cost of product.