Effect of Feeding Red Sea Fish Waste Meal on Production Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Gut Micro-organisms of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Animal Research Canter poultry farm to evaluate the effects of red sea fish waste meal (RSFWM) in the diet of broilers on the performance, carcass characteristics and gut microflora. Ninety six unsexed (Hubbard classic) broiler chickens at seven days of age were randomly distributed into four treatments (24 birds per each treatment).Four experimental diets were formulated, T1 (conventional ration with no RSFWM), T2 2.5% RSFWM, T3 5% RSFWM and T4 7.5% RSFWM. The treatments were randomly assigned with three replications for each of the four experimental rations. The experiment was extended for six weeks. Average body weight was significantly higher in T4 (2378g) followed by T2 (2329g), T3 (2286g) and the control diet T1 (2133g). Feed intake g/bird (3957.3g,4387g,4255.7g and 4394.8g) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively were significantly higher in diets fed with rations containing 7.5 and 2.5% RSFWM as compared to the control group and those fed 5% RSFWM. Body weight gain was significantly higher in birds fed 7.5% RSFWM (2215.7g) followed by those fed 2.5% (2162.5g), 5% (2119.8g) RSFWM and finally the control group (1966.1g). No significant differences were observed in feed conversion ratio between all treatments. The results obtained from carcass characteristics analysis indicated that inclusion of RSFWM had no significant effects (p>0.05) on dressing present and wing weight of broilers. On the other hand, RSFWM inclusion improved carcass, back, V breast, drum stick and thigh weights as compared to those fed on control diet. Feeding RSFWM had no significant effect (P< 0.05) on spleen, liver, heart and gizzard weights. Microbial analysis of the intestinal content revealed that no Salmonella or E.coli microorganisms were detected. It is therefore concluded that red sea fish waste meal can be used up to 7.5% in the diet of broiler chickens without adverse effect on performance and carcass characteristics.