ABSTRACT

Nutritional evaluation of the effect of Danish imported fishmeal, crayfish dust meal and shrimp waste meal as animal protein sources in broiler ration was carried out using 144-day-old broiler chicks in a completely randomized design experiment, fhis lasted for seven weeks. The 144-unsexed chicks of Anak strain were randomly allocated to 6 dietary treatments, each having 2 replications of 12 chicks per replicate. The diets were designated as diets 1, 2,3,4,5 and 6. Diet 1 (control) had 6% Danish fishmeal, while others respectively contained 6% craj fish dust meal, 6% shrimp waste meal, 3% each of crayfish dust meal and shrimp waste meal. 3% each of Danish fishmeal and crayfish dust meal and 3% each of Danish fishmeal and shrimp waste meal. Each diet was offered ad-libitum to the birds. Proximate analysis showed that the test ingredients fishmeal, crayfish dust meal and shrimp waste meal respectively had a crude protein content of 61.34%. 65.27% and 46.20%. The gross energy observed were 2614 kcal/kg, 3625 kcal/kg and 2982 kcal/kg in that same order. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the total feed intake amongst birds fed diets, 1 <.(3651.60g), 2 (4017.30g). 3 (3697.50), 4 (3821.00g), 5(4029.30g) and 6(3932.60g). The feed -to gain ratio were not significantly different (P>0.05) among birds fed the different dietary treatment. Diet 4 had the best (2.05). The total weight gain observed in birds fed diet 4( 1925.00g) were similar to those fed diet 2 (1900.00g) and diet 6(11:50.00g) were also similar to those fed diet 5(1800.00). The back cavity and thigh were significantly different (P<0.05). There was significant difference (P<0.05) observed in the percentage gizzard and lungs ofthe birds fed the varying diets. The Nutrient and mineral utilization analysis showed significant variation (P<0.05) in the percent nitrogen and energy retention as well as calcium and phosphorus retention values amongst the diets. Nitrogen retention were improved in birds led diet 2 (83.32%). The cost analysis indices showed significant differences (P<0.05). Diet 4 was the cheapest per kilogramme (N39.07). Diet 1 gave the least marginal revenue (N451.34). From the foregoing, the crayfish dust meal and shrimp waste meal had no adverse effect on the performance and economics of production of the birds. This is an indication that satisfactory animal protein can be prepared from these unconventional sources