Energy value and digestibility of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) in broiler diets as partial replacement for Corn (Zea mays)

Abstract

The study found that replacing maize with sundried breadfruit meal (SBM) at varying levels were not significantly (P>0.05) affected on the total feed intake, overall feed conversion efficiency, and livability rate of broilers. Similarly, the body weight of Kabir birds was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by SBM at replacement levels of 10% to 30%. The 10% replacement level in broiler diets was found to be equivalent to the control. Additionally, the study showed that SBM was not significantly (P>0.05) affected on digestibility, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, livability, income over feed and chick cost. The findings suggested that using SBM as a partial replacement for maize in broiler diets at a 10% replacement level resulted to cost savings without compromising performance. The study concluded that feeds with a 10% to 30% replacement level could be given to Kabir birds without compromising their weight gain. By substituting a portion of maize in feeds, andproduction costs were reduced and showed competition between humans and animals for food. Incorporating SBM as a partial replacement for maize in broiler and Kabir bird diets at 10% up to 30% was not significantly (P>0.05) affected on the birds' feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, livability rate, and net income. These findings are supported using SBM as an alternative feed ingredient in poultry production, contributed to sustainable and cost-effective farming practices. Further research is needed to evaluate the economic feasibility of using SBM as a partial substitute for maize in poultry diets.