COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF THREE DIFFERENT PROTEIN SOURCES (FISHMEAL MAGGOT MEAL AND GRASSHOPPER MEAL) ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT RETENTION OF PULLET CHICKS

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the comparative effects of three different animal protein sources (fish meal, maggot meal and grasshopper meal) on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of pullet chicks. Two hundred and seventy-day-old pullets were assigned to 9 dietary treatments in a factorial design with thirty birds consisting of 10 chicks per replicate. Feed and clean water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period which lasted for 8 weeks. Diets were formulated to contain 1%, 2% and 3% fish meal, maggot meal and grasshopper meal respectively. Data collected was used to determine the average daily weight gain, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio and nutrient retention. Result showed that there was no significant (p>0.05) difference in total feed intake (g) and feed conversion ratio, Weight gain (g) and nutrient retention of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract were significantly influenced (p<0.05) among the treatments. It was concluded that inclusion of 1%, 2% and 3% replacement of fish meal with maggot meal and grasshopper meal respectively has no adverse effect on general performance of pullets.