Abstract:
This work aims to improve the weight performance and survival rate of the chicks by incorporating local agricultural by-products into their feed. During this study, one hundred and twenty (120) day-old chicks of Ross (508) meat strain with a live weight of 40 ± 2 g were randomly assigned to three treatments. A comparison of the results obtained after six weeks of weight growth monitoring showed significant variations within and between treatments. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between Lot 1 and Lot 2 (p?0,05) to the disadvantage of Lot 1 and a highly significant difference between Lot 1 and Lot 3 (p?0,001) to the advantage of Lot 3, as well as between Lot 2 and Lot 3 (p?0,001) to the disadvantage of Lot 2. The values 112.68 g, 113.55 g and 116.38 g correspond to the average daily earnings of the animals of lot 1, lot 2 and lot 3 in order at the end of the trial. Thus, the highest feed conversion rates were observed for the chicks of lot 2 (CI=0.99) which recovered more than those of lot 1 (CI=1.06) and lot 3 (CI=1.49). It appears of this study that the addition of crushed sorrel leaves in the birds' feed had a positive effect on weight performance, chick survival and physical activity |
