Enhancing Levels Of Vitamins A, C And E (Anti-Oxidants) In Broiler Feed To Improve Their Feed Conversion Ratios And Reduce Cost Of Production:- Ufomba Ogechi F

ABSTRACT ix The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Vitamins A, C & E (Antioxidants) on feed conversion ratio and cost of producing 1kg weight of Broiler meat. A total number of 100 day old chicks were used and were randomly allocated to two groups of 50 birds each namely; Group A and Group B. Group A, the treatment group were fed with commercial feed plus additional levels ofVitamins A, C, E and water while group B, the control were fed with only commercial feed and water ad libitum. 25 birds from each group were randomly selected and weighed weekly till 1.25 kg live weight was recorded. Both the age they weighed 1.25kg and cost of production to that point were calculated and recorded. Other Parameters evaluated include: daily feed intake, weight gain, Feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage and Carcass analysis. At Week4, Group A weighed 1.25kg live weight at #650 cost ofproduction, while group B weighed 1.3kg at 5th week and the cost of production is #944. There was no significant difference in feed intake s(p>0.05) but there were significant difference in average weight gain (0.12+0.00 ) and (FCR 0.18+0.04) between the two groups. This study showed that additional levels of Vitamins A, C, E enhanced growth performance, decrease FCR and reduce cost ofproduction