ISSN: 2474-8846
Authors: Chou MI, Fadlelmola SAG, Teya SHK, Jadalla JB* and Dahia SBH
This study was conducted in Dilling town, South Kordofan State, Sudan with the objective of studying and evaluating the effects of using graded levels of Marula, Sclerocarya birrea, kernel meal on broilers Growth performance and meat quality. Two hundred, one day old (Ross 308) chicks were distributed into five groups of treatments where every 20 birds were housed in separate unit assigned to the five treatments A, B, C, D and E with four replicates, on floor covered with saw dust. The chicks were transferred periodically to ensure random housing. Starter and finisher rations were formulated for each treatment. The experimental diets were formulated with five levels of Sclerocarya birrea of (2.5%), (5%), (7.5%) and 10% as a substitute for the protein super concentrate. At the end of the experiment, twenty five chickens were slaughtered for carcass cuts yield and meat quality evaluation. The results indicated that feed intake was significantly (P<0.01) higher in birds on ration C compared to those on rations A, B, D and E. Similarly the live weight of chickens was significantly (P<0.01) heaviest in group C than those of groups A, B,D and E. Dressing percentage, carcass weight and weight of cuts were also significantly (P<0.01) higher for birds on ration C and lowest weight was recorded for those on ration E. Also the abdominal fat weight was higher for groups D and E with significantly differences (P<0.01) when compared with groups A, B and C. It was the lowest for chickens fed ration C. The percentage of fat in the body was higher in meat samples obtained from birds on rations D and E and lower for those on rations A, B and C. The study concluded that feeding Sclerocarya birrea kernel meal to broiler chicks improved feed intake, the rate of live weight gain though it increased the proportion of body fat in carcass samples when the level increased above 5%. It was recommended further studies be conducted using lower levels of Sclerocarya birrea kernel cake after oil extraction since it is found abundantly, can be obtained at low cost and rich in essential amino acids and fatty acids as well.
Keywords: Broiler Rations; Alternative Feed Resources; Sclerocarya birrea Meal
