Effects of dietary inclusion of sugarcane (saccurum officinarum) filter cake on the performances of broiler chickens

Abstract

This study evaluated the feed value of sugarcane filter cake (SFC) for broilers. A total of 336 one-day-old Cobb500 were randomly allotted to seven treatments (T) with three replications. A diet without SFC (T0, control) was formulated for the starter (1–14 days), grower (15–28 days) and finisher (29–49 days) phases. The test diets contained sun-dried SFC at two levels (5% and 10%) and varied with feeding periods [(5%SFC (T1)- and 10%SFC-based diets (T2) for the entire period, 5%SFC (T3)- and 10%SFC-based diets (T4) for grower to finisher phases and 5%SFC (T5)- and 10%SFC-based diets (T6) for finisher phase]. Feed intake (FI), final body weight (FBW), total body weight gain (TBWG) and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were not affected (P > 0.05) at the starter phase. However, FI and ADG on 10%SFC diets were reduced (P < 0.05) at the grower phase. ADG and FBW (P < 0.05) were higher for the 10%SFC diet at the finisher phase. No performance differences (P > 0.05) were observed for the finisher and entire periods on 5%SFC-based diets. The overall FI, ADG and FCR did not vary among treatments (P > 0.05) however, TBWG was highest in T5 and T6. The overall feed consumption ranged from 3.86–4.26 kg/bird (P > 0.05). Treatments did not differ in dressed and eviscerated carcasses, cut parts, visceral organs and meat-to-bone ratios (P > 0.05). The 5%SFC- and 10%SFC-based diets resulted in higher net income. In conclusion, up to 10%SFC inclusion in the broiler diet for the whole period or at the finisher phase increases performances and economic benefit.

Keywords:

• Sugarcane filter cake
• Broiler performances
• Economic benefit

Acknowledgments

The authors would thank the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) and also thanks poultry research assistants for their unreserved role to implement the experiment.

Disclosure statement

No conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The research was funded by Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research

Notes on contributors

Mariye Melkam

Mariye Melkam is an associate researcher at Debre Markos Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research. Her main research focus is on poultry nutrition.

Getahun Kebede

Getahun Kebede is a senior researcher at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research. His main research focus is on ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition.

Ashenafi Mengistu

Ashenafi Mengistu is a lecturer and an Associate professor at College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University. His main interest is on ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition.