Animal production

1. GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED ON GRADED
LEVEL OF SWEET POTATO PEELS
BY:
DAVID Koloni Kongude
(14/36050U/3)
BY
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY
ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE
OCTOBER, 2021.

2. 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background Information
One of the major problems hampering the production and supply of livestock products, especially
monogastrics is feed, which accounts for about 80% of cost of production (Fanimo et al., 2007).
Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) is produced in large quantities in Nigeria and form important
energy sources for livestock feeding. The peels from the processing of this root is readily
available at cheap costs in many parts of the country because they have limited or no human food
value.
Broiler production is one the livestock industries that offers the highest turnover rate and quicker
returns on investment either in small, medium or large scale production (Afolayan et al., 2014).

3. Background Information Con’t
The major source of energy is maize. However, maize is required by humans and
processing industries, thereby causing a tacit competition between human and animals.
Price of maize have soared so high in recent times and is no longer economical to be use
in poultry feeds formulation ( Bot et al., 2013) Continual increase in prices of
conventional feedstuff has necessitated the search for alternatives to the expensive energy
and protein sources (Ekeyem et al., 2006).
One of such alternatives for replacement of maize in animal diets is the sundried sweet
potatoes peel meal (PPM). Sweet potatoes peel in Nigeria is always discarded as waste
and often allowed to rot and thus pose a disposal problem in the environment. The relative
availability and low cost of sweet potatoes peel make it an option in livestock feeding
(Wafar and Tarimbuka, 2016).

4. 1.2 Statement of the Problem
Feed supply is the major limiting factor in poultry production in
developing countries such as Nigeria (Nworgu, 2011). This problem has
resulted in animal nutritionists reforming to the replacement of
conventional ingredients with non-conventional, cheaper and alternative
energy sources. There is need therefore to harness the potentials of peels
from sweet potato especially those that have been wasted during
harvesting, processing and packaging.

5. 1.3 Justification of the Study
Sweet potato is produced in substantial quantities especially in the Northern
part of the country and most of the sweet potato peels is wasted due to lack of
human food value. It is therefore important that efforts should be made to
harness the peels from these roots and include them in the diets of broiler
chickens so as to reduce cost of feed ingredient, increase availability of feeds,
improve efficiency, productivity and carcass quality in broiler chickens and
increase farmer’s profit.

6. 1.4 Objective of the Study
The overall aim of the study is to investigate whether SPPM can partly or wholly
replace maize in poultry (broiler) feed in graded levels at both starter and finisher
phases of growth with the specific objectives of:
To determine the nutritional composition of SPPM by proximate analysis
 To assess the effects of replacing maize with graded levels of sweet potato peels
on growth performance of broilers.
To evaluate the carcass traits of broiler chicken fed diets containing graded levels
of sweet potato peel as a replacement for maize.

7. 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
Some of the literature reviewed for the study include;
2.1 Poultry meat production
2.1.1 Factors Affecting Poultry Meat Production
2.1.2 Addressing the Problems of High Feed Cost in Poultry
Production
2.2 Breeds of Broilers
2.2.1 White Hybrids
2.2.2 Coloured Hybrids
2.2.3 Heritage poultry breeds
2.3 Feeding and feed conversion of Broiler Chickens

8. LITERATURE REVIEW Con’t
 2.4 Housing of Broiler Chickens
 2.5 Concepts of Alternative Feed Stuff
 2.6 Poultry Industry and Alternative Feed Sources
 2.6.1 Agro-industrial By-products in Poultry Feeds
 2.6.2 Benefits of utilizing agro- industrial by products
 2.7 Studies on some Alternative feed energy sources in broiler nutrition
 2.7.1 Sorghum
 2.7.2 Cassava and Potato Peels in Livestock Nutrition
 2.7.3 Millet
 2.8 Sweet Potato as an Alternative Feed Energy Sources in Broiler Nutrition
 2.8.1 Origin of sweet potato
 2.8.2 Botany and morphology of sweet potato
 2.8.3 Growing environment of sweet potato
 2.8.4 Economic importance of sweet potato
 2.8.5 Nutritional value of sweet potato

9. 3.0. Methodology
3.1 Study Area
 The experiment was conducted at the College farm (Livestock Investigation Department) Vom in Jos South Local Government Area
of Plateau State.
 Geographical location: Vom has an altitude of about 4200ft (1285m) above sea level and 8° 45° east, 9° 45° north of the equator.
 Climate and Vegetation: It as an average annual rainfall of 1300m 1500mm. The rainy season extends from late March to early
October, July and August being the wettest months. The temperature ranges from 13.9°C to 31°C with 10°C being the lowest reading
(NVRI, 2004). The mean relative humidity at noon varies between 14% and 74% during the harmattan and the peak of the rains in
August. The altitude ensures the area is free from tsetse flies. The vegetation is mostly grassing with short shrubs and planted trees
around residential areas the altitude and constant winds may account for the remarkably cool climate in the area. In December and
January, the nights may be extremely cold (NVRI, 2004).

10. 3.2 SOURCE OF SWEET POTATO PEELS
Sweet potato peel Were obtained within Jos Plateau state and Bauchi, Bauchi state.
3.3 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN, BIRDS AND MANAGEMENT
 One hundred and fifty (150) two weeks old Arbor acre breeds of broiler chickens obtained from a reputable hatchery were
divided in to five (5) groups of thirty birds. Each group was further divided in to 3 replicates of 10 birds in a Completely
Randomized Design.
 Five diets were formulated and compounded such that sweet potato peel meal replaced maize at 0(control) 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and
50% levels. The experimental diets and clean drinking water were given to the birds ad libitum (free choice) for a period of two
weeks at the starter phase and 4 weeks for the finisher phase.
 During the management of the birds, routine cleaning feeding and watering of the birds was done. Vaccinations against
Newcastle and Infectious Bursal Diseases according to the hatchery were done as soon as birds were hatched.
 The birds were housed in Fifteen (15) experimental pens measuring approximately 1.5 x 2.5 x 1 m (width, length and height
respectively) equipped with conical galvanized iron feeders and 5-litre plastic drinkers each. Wood shavings was used as
bedding material in all the pens

11. 3.4 DATA COLLECTION
 Data for growth performance collected during the experiment were Average initial and final weights, average daily feed
intake and average daily weight gains. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Feed cost per unit weight gains were calculated
by dividing feed intake with weight gain and multiplying FCR with feed cost per kg respectively.
 The carcass characteristics at the end of the experiment, two birds per replicate having their weights closest to the average
of that replicate were selected, slaughtered, scalded, eviscerated and their carcass components obtained by cutting the meat
yielding parts and internal organs.
 The weights of the carcass components were determined and expressed as percentage of live weight. The components
include the carcass (eviscerated), back, breast, wings, thighs, drumsticks and abdominal fat. The internal organs include the
heart, liver + gall bladder, gizzard, spleen and kidneys.

12. DATA COLLECTION Con’t
• The dressing percentage was calculated by expressing the carcass weight as a percentage of the live weight.
• Dressing percentage = Dressed weight x 100
Live weight 1
• Organ weight (%) = Organ weight x 100
LW 1
3.4 DATA ANALYSIS
All data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 23 (2017 package). Where applicable,
means were separated using Duncan's option in of the same package.

13. Table 3.1: Ingredient composition of broiler starter diets containing graded levels of
replacement of maize with sweet potato meal (SPPM)
Ingredients Levels of replacement of maize with sweet potato peel meal(%)
0.0 12.5 25.0 37.5 50.0
Yellow maize 41.95 37.28 32.65 28.02 23.38
Wheat offal 6.29 5.59 5.00 4.20 3.51
Rice bran 4.19 3.73 3.27 2.80 2.34
Sweet potato peel meal 0.00 5.24 10.49 15.3 20.98
Soya bean cake 42.32 42.91 43.45 44.03 44.56
Fish meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Bone meal 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50
Limestone 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Lysine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Methionine 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15
Total 99.98 100.00 100.11 100.03 100.02

14. Calculated Composition for Broiler Starter Diet
Nutrients
Metabolizable Energy (Kcal/kg) 2860.27 2913.42 2868.84 2858.90 2849.09
Crude protein 22.04 23.01 23.01 23.04 23.05
Crude fiber 4.65 4.86 5.05 5.22 5.43
Ether Extract (oil) 3.985 4.040 4.057 4.082 4.108
Calcium 1.030 1.032 1.034 1.036 1.036
Phosphorus 0.579 0.579 0.581 0.581 0.614
Lysine 1.65 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.66
Methionine 0.626 0.624 0.621 0.617 0.615

15. Table 3.2: Ingredient composition of broiler finisher diets containing graded levels of
replacement of maize with sweet potato meal (SPPM)
Ingredients
Level of replacement of maize with sweet potato peel meal (%)
0.0 12.5 25.0 37.5 50.0
Yellow maize 49.2 43.78 38.32 32.88 27.88
Wheat offal 7.38 6.57 5.75 4.93 4.12
Rice bran 4.92 4.38 38.83 3.29 2.74
Sweet potato peel meal 0.00 6.15 12.31 18.46 24.62
Soya bean cake 34.22 34.81 35.55 36.18 36.83
Fish meal 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Bone meal 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50
Limestone 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Lysine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Methionine 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15
Total 100.00 100.00 100.01 100.00 100.00

16. Calculated Composition for Broiler Finisher Diet
Nutrients
Metabolizable Energy (Kcal/kg) 2919.96 2909.23 2889.88 2886.50 2875.13
Crude protein 21.01 20.99 20.98 20.95 20.96
Crude fiber 4.49 4.49 4.90 5.12 5.32
Ether Extract (oil) 4.095 4.108 4.151 4.175 4.188
Calcium 2.10 1.73 1.73 1.74 1.74
Phosphorus 0.854 0.854 0.854 0.853 0.856
Lysine 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.49 1.49
Methionine 0.61 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.59

17. 4.0 RESULTS
Table 4.1: Proximate composition of sun-dried sweet potato peel
Nutrients Composition (%)
Dry matter 90.25
Crude protein 6.56
Crude fibre 3.77
Ether Extract (lipids) 2.61
Ash 3.15
Nitrogen free Extract 83.16

18. Table 4.2: Performance Parameters of broiler starter fed diets containing sweet potato peel meal as
replacement for maize
Levels of replacement of maize with SPPM(%)
Parameters 0.0 12.5 25.0 37.5 50.0 SEM
Av. Initial weights (g) 229.52 269.00 252.33 270.00 252.33 6.15NS
Av.. Weights at 4 weeks(g) 933.03a 856.67b 896.67ab 910.00a 890.00ab 46.54
Av. Daily feed intake (g) 70.70 72.18 70.97 71.19 66.28 1.41NS
Av. Daily weight gain (g) 50.25a 41.98b 46.02b 45.72b 45.55b 0.85
Feed cost per kg (₦) 133.99 129.34 125.26 121.07 1126.88
F.C.R 1.57b 1.91a 1.74ab 210.38ab 188.88b 6.61
Feed cost/kg gain (₦) 210.51ab 247.29a 218.12ab 210.38ab 188.88b 6.61
a, b, Means in the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (p<0.05).
S. E. M = Standard Error of Mean. N S = Not significant (p>0.05). * = Significant (p<0.05)

19. Table 4.3: Performance parameters of broiler finishers fed diets containing sweet potato peel meal as a
replacement for maize
Level s of replacement of maize with SPPM ( % )
Parameters 0.0 12.5 25.0 37.5 50.0 SEM
Av. weight at 4 weeks(g) 933. 03a 856.67b 896.67ab 910.00a 890.00ab 8.91*
Av. Final Weight (g) 2483.64 2635.93 2653.33 2253.33 2440.00 46.54*
Av. Daily feed intake (g) 150.39 154.55 164.62 150.16 148.13 2.10*
Av. Daily weight gain (g) 5.38ab 63.54a 62.83a 47.97b 56.43ab 1.82*
Feed cost per kg (₦) 125.80 120.90 116.03 111.14 91.19
F C R 2.72ab 2.44b 2.69ab 3.13a 2.63ab 0.09*
Feed cost /kg gain (₦) 309.27ab 294.99a 278.32bc 348.23a 239.32c 10.69*
a, b, Means in the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (p<0.05).
S. E. M = Standard Error of Mean. N S = Not significant (p>0.05).
* = Significant (p<0.05)

20. Table 4.4: Combined growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of sweet potato
peel meal as replacement for maize
Parameter Levels of replacement of maize with sweet potato peel meal (%)
0.0 12.5 25.0 37.5 50.0 S.E.M
Av. Initial weight(g) 229.53 369.00 253.33 270.00 253.33 6.15NS
Av. Final weight(g) 2483.64 2535.93a 2653.33a 2253.33b 2470.00ab 46.54⃰
Av. Daily feed intake 123.83b 127.09ab 133.41a 123.83b 120.84b 1.50⃰
Av. Daily weight gains 54.87a 56.35a 56.93a 47.22b 52.80a 1.12⃰
Av. Feed cost per kg 128.25 123.73 119.28 114.60 99.61
FCR 2.26b 2.26b 2.36ab 2.62a 2.29b 0.05
Feed Cost per g(₦) 289.85a 279.62a 281.49a 300.24a 228.11b 7.99
a, b, Means in the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (p<0.05).
S. E. M = Standard Error of Mean * = Significant (p<0.05).

21. Table 4.5: Carcass traits of broiler chicken fed diets containing SPPM as a replacement for maize
Levels of replacement of maize with SPPM (%)
Parameters 0.0 12.5 25.0 37.5 50.0 SEM
Live weight (kg) 2483.64a 2653.93a 2653.33a 2253.33b 2470.00ab 46.54⃰
Dressing % 64.50ab 58.15b 62.93b 76.19a 55.64b 2.36⃰
Back 9.73ab 8.87b 9.80ab 11.09a 11.04a 0.30⃰
Breast 27.90 24.12 26.50 27.37 24.34 0.75NS
Thighs 10.08bc 8.58c 11.09ab 12.94a 10.47bc 0.44⃰
Drumsticks 8.72 9.53 10.06 10.35 10.14 0.29NS
Wings 7.02b 7.58b 6.95b 9.61a 7.09b 0.33⃰
Heart 0.38a 0.36ab 0.34b 0.41a 0.33b 0.13⃰
Liver/gall bladder 1.78a 1.43b 1.45b 1.82a 1.69ab 0.06⃰
Gizzard 1.46 1.57 1.48 1.72 1.55 0.05NS
Spleen 0.09 0.07 0.09 0.09 0.08 0.04NS
Abdominal Fat 1.13 0.81 1.12 1.05 0.93 0.87NS

22. 5.0 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Summary
 An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of replacing of maize with sweet potato (Ipomae Batatas) peel meal
on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. The study was carried out at livestock investigation
department (LID) Federal college of animal health and production technology vom.
5.2 Conclusion
 In conclusion, the nutrients contained in sweet potato peel were dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extra (Lipids),
ash (Mineral) and nitrogen free extra (Carbohydrate).
 The results of this study suggest that Sweet potato peel meal (SPPM ) can be used as a replacement for maize in the broilers
diets up to 50.0% inclusion without any deleterious effect on the growth performances of the birds.
 The live weights of the experimental birds decreased with increasing levels of SPPM. The dressing percentages, backs,
wings, thighs, heart and liver/fall bladder significantly increased when maize was replaced with 37.5% SPPM while the
proportions of breast, drumsticks, gizzard, spleen and abdominal fat did not differ significantly between treatment groups.

23. 5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
From the study carried out, the following recommendations can be made;
 Sweet potato peel meal can be included in the diet of broiler chickens for up to 50% level of inclusion.
 More research should be carried out to determine other possible maize or other human food replacers in the
feed.
 This research work should be extended to other types of birds such as layers.
 Government and other non-governmental agencies should intensify efforts so as to cub the menace of
competition between animal and human by sponsoring alternative source the feed requirement.

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