Performance of broiler chickens fed graded levels of Ripe Plantain Peel Meal (RPPM) as replacement for maize

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed graded levels of ripe plantain peels meal (RPPM) as replacement for maize. One hundred and fifty day old Anak strain broiler chickens were allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The test ingredient (RPPM) was replaced at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels representing T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The diets were Isonitrogenous (23 and 20% CP) for starter and finisher respectively. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum throughout the study period of 56 days and routine management practices were strictly adhered to. Parameters measured were feed intake and weight gain. Feed conversion ratio, feed cost/kg and feed cost/kg gain were calculated. Results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the final live weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg. Based on this study, RPPM could replace maize up to 75% which is the inclusion level that gave the best feed conversion ratio and cost efficiency