International Journal of Poultry Science 7 (2): 156-160, 2008 ISSN 1682-8356 © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008 156 Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Economy of Production of Broilers Fed Maize-Grit and Brewers Dried Grain Replacing Maize G.A. Anyanwu , F.C. Iheukwumere and C.O. Emerole 1 2 3 Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, 1 PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, 2 3 Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria Abstract: A 28-day feeding trial involving ninety-six (96) four weeks old broiler chicks was conducted to investigate the effect of total replacement of maize with different combination ratios of maize grit and Brewers Dried Grain (BDG) on the performance, carcass characteristics and economy of finisher broilers. Four experimental diets were formulated by substituting maize with maize grit and BDG in the ratio of T (0%); T 1 2 (3:1-45 + 15); T (1:1-30 + 30) and T (1:3-15 + 45) respectively. The birds were randomly assigned to four 3 4 treatment diets. Each experimental unit of 24 birds was replicated twice giving 12 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. Body weight and weight gain per feed intake through higher at high cost with the control diet improved in cheaper diets formulated with maize grit and BDG. There was no consistency in the carcass characteristics of the groups particularly among the internal organs showing that dietary maize grit ad BDG could not pose any discernible nutritional problems that might manifest in the carcass of the broilers. Cheaper feed formulated with maize grit and BDG gave the higher gross margins especially diet 4. Key words: Performance, carcass, economy of production, maize grit-brewers dried grain, maize, broilers Introduction The cost of producing poultry feeds has been on the increase in Nigeria over the last three decades. This is attributable to inadequate production of maize, which is a major energy source in poultry feed, coupled with stiff competition between man and livestock over the available grains. Feed for monogastrics consist of 50- 60 percent energy sources and this has remained a major set back in poultry production, since the chief Materials and Methods energy source is relatively scarce and expensive. Esonu One hundred (100) day-old chicks of Anak breed raised et al. (2002) had observed that feed alone accounts for for five weeks on broiler starter ration, comprising of the 70-80 percent of cost of poultry production in Nigeria. same experimental ingredients (proximate composition Importing maize into the country could drain much of the is shown in Table 2, were used for the study. At the end scarce foreign exchange. of the starter phase (five weeks) four mortality was There is therefore the need to embark on intensive recorded, the remaining ninety-six (96) birds were research in a bid to discover alternative energy source weighed and randomly distributed into four treatment which are readily available, attracting little or no groups. Thereafter they were fed for nine weeks with four competition between man and livestock hence broiler finisher diets formulated with maize, maize grit, encouraging production at reduced cost. Some and brewers’ dried grain in the ratios of T1 (0%); T2 (3:1- industrial by products such as maize grit Brewers’ Dried 45 + 15); T3 (1:1-30 + 30); and T4 (1:3-15 + 45) Grain (BDG), or a combination of them, could serve as respectively (Table 3). the alternative energy source in poultry diet (Olumu, Each treatment group of 24 birds were replicated 1988). These by-products which are not directly utilized two times giving 12 birds per replicate. The birds by humans are available and are likely to be more were managed in a deep litter pen measuring 3.06x5m available with the increasing number of industries per pen, in a completely randomized design (CRD). discarding them in Nigeria. Feed and water were supplied ad-libitum. Necessary Maize grit and BDG though spent in terms of their starch vaccines and antibiotics were administered at content, do actually contain proportionately more appropriate period. Litters were change on weekly valuable vitamins, minerals, fat, fibre and protein than basis. were contained in the original cereal grain used (Kingsell et al., 1979; Singh, 1988). This research was therefore to determine the effect of the use of maize grit and BDG as substitutes for maize on performance and carcass characteristics of finisher broilers. It also investigated the cost effectiveness of the use of maize grit and BDG over maize in finisher diets.