Authors : G.S. Ojewola, A.O. Olojede and C.G. Ehiri
Abstract: Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the replacement value of Rizga and Hausa potato for maize in broiler chicken. In experiment 1, three treatment diets with 2 replications each were fed to broiler chickens in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using a deep litter management system. The dietary maize of the diets was substituted with Hausa potato at 0%, 50% and 100% respectively. The results showed that all the parameters measured were significantly (P<0.05) influenced. Mean body weight (g) and realizable revenue (N) were depressed as the substitution level increased from 50% to 100% while feed intake responded in an inverse manner to the increasing substitution of maize for Hausa potato. The experiment lasted 5 weeks. In experiment 2, three treatment diets with 3 replications each were fed to broiler chickens in a completely Randomized Design (CRD) using a one- tier cage design. The dietary maize of the diets was substituted with Rizga at 0%, 50% and 100% respectively. The results showed that, of all the parameters considered, only the feed-to-gain ratio and total revenue (N) were significantly ((P<0.05) influenced. Mean body weight gain (g) was numerically depressed from 1119.50g (D1) to 1053.00g (D2) and 889.00g (D3). The feed intake numerically increased from 1665.0g (D1) to 2474.90g (D2) and 2297.52g (D3). The mean total revenue (N) realizable significantly decreased for birds fed diet 3 while diets 1 and 2 are comparable. In conclusion, substituting dietary maize with Hausa potato or rizga in broiler ration as shown in these trials seemed productively and economically inefficient, nevertheless, more research effort is still required so as to improve on the utilization of these neglected and under exploited root crops for efficient poultry production.
Ojewola, G.S. , A.O. Olojede and C.G. Ehiri , 2006. Evaluation of Livingstone Potato/Rizga (Plectranthus esculentus N.Br) and Hausa Potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius Poir) as Energy Sources for Broiler Chicken. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 472-477.