Comparative study between local and imported concentrates on the performance of broiler chicks

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding locally-made concentrate and imported concentrate on the performance of broiler chicks. A total number of 120 broiler chicks (Hubber) were used. Birds were distributed randomly into 12 pens (10/pen) as replicates in completely randomized design. The two experimental diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight, and weight gain were measured weekly, while the carcass weight, dressing percentage, and weight of the internal organs (liver, spleen, heart and abdominal fat) were determined at the end of the experimental period. The results showed that the replacement of local concentrate with the imported concentrate significantly decreased (P<0.01) feed intake which was found to be 2446.1(g) and 4116.2 (g) respectively. Life weight and carcass weight were also reduced (P<0.05) by using local concentrate. The replacement of locally made concentrate with the imported concentrate resulted in better (FCR) which was found to be 2.14 and 2.64 respectively, while the dressing % was not affected. A higher ratio (P<0.05) of the internal organs was found when using local the concentrate at the expense of the imported concentrate. The total cost of production of a diet congaing local concentrate was found to be 10.63 comparing to 14.31 for chicks fed diet containing imported concentrate. This results proved that it is possible to formulate a successful local concentrates which was nutritionally optimal and economically feasible for feeding broiler chicks.