Effect of substituting maize with cassava root meal on laying performances of local barred-chicken under improved management conditions in Cameroon

Kana Jean Raphaël, Kreman Kouabena*, Mube Kuietche Hervé, Teguia Alexis and Manjeli Yacouba

Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang,
P.O Box: 70 Dschang, Cameroon
kanajean@yahoo.fr
* Centre National de Recherche Agronomique de Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

This trial was conducted at the Poultry unit of the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Dschang to evaluate the effect of cassava meal as a source of energy on local hen production. Ninety six 18-weeks old local barred chickens were allotted to 16 experimental units of 6 pullets each in a completely randomized design comprising 4 treatments and 4 replicates each. Four experimental rations in which 0% (C0), 33% (C33), 66% (C66) and 100% (C100) of maize was replaced with cassava were tested. The data on feed consumption, live body weight of layers and egg production parameters between 19 and 32 weeks of age were collected.

The replacement of maize with cassava in the diet as energy source did not induce any significant negative effect on feed consumption, feed/dozen eggs, egg production cost, egg weight, hen age at first laying, egg number and egg mass per hen, mean egg weight and egg shape index. However, the body weight at first laying was higher (1206g) with 33% of maize replaced with cassava (C33) as compared to C0, C66 and C100. Live body weight decreased as the substitution levels of maize with cassava increased in the diets. This study indicated that up to 100% of maize could be replaced with cassava meal as energy source in the diet of local barred-chicken without any negative effect on the laying performance.

Keywords: feed energy, local chicken, substitution

Introduction

The local chicken sector contributes significantly to food security and human livelihood in many African countries (FAO 2008; Mutayoba et al 2012). Their product contributes in improving the nutritional status and income of smallholder farmers especially in landless communities (Moula et al 2012).  

In Cameroon, more than 90 % of local chickens are kept under free-range system in rural and peri-urban areas (Keambou et al 2009). Under this system, birds are left to scavenge for their own feed and water (Gueye 1998; Gueye 2005; Mutayoba et al 2012; Moula et al 2012) with the absence of disease prevention and failure to meet the nutrient requirements during scavenging, consequently leading to low productivity. It has been reported that the nutrition of scavenging local chicken is improved during the harvest period when there is availability of post-harvest residues, green grass, earth worms, and insects (Mwalusanya et al 2002). Improving the management of these birds could boost their production. However, in addition to environmental constraints poultry production is impaired by the escalating price of feed ingredients, such as maize and soybean due to seasonal fluctuation in the supply of conventional feed ingredients. It is therefore imperative to search for alternative feed resources particularly energy sources that could replace maize during period of scarcity to ensure optimum performance of the birds all over the year. According to Oruwari et al (2003) and Nwokoro and Ekhosuehi (2005), one of advocated alternative for partial replacement of maize in poultry diets is the processed cassava root meal. The use of cassava as an alternative unconventional energy feedstuffs could help reduce the feed cost (Salami and Odunsi 2003; Ukachukwu 2005; Anaeto and Adighibe 2011).  

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with cassava as an alternative energy source on the performance of local laying hens.  

Materials and method

Study site and preparation of test ingredients 

This study was conducted at the Poultry unit of the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Dschang. Maize and white variety of cassava root meal used in this study were obtained from the local market. This cassava sold for human consumption was milled using a hammer of sieve 2 mm and stored in air-tied polythene bag prior to use in the experimental diets. 

Diets and management of birds 

Four experimental diets were formulated (C0, C33, C66 and C100) to meet the nutritional requirements of the birds according to the standards of NRC (1994). Diet C0 contained no cassava meal but maize at 51% of the diet and served as control. The maize in diet C0 was gradually replaced at 33, 66 and 100% levels with the cassava root meal to constitute C33, C66 and C100 respectively (Table 1).  

The experimental birds were obtained from the barred parent stock in the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Dschang. The birds were brooded in deep litters for 12 weeks. Thereafter, they were transferred to the grower and laying unit. This unit was a series of cages made of local bamboo placed behind the poultry house. Each compartment measured 100 x 100 x 80 for breadth, length and height respectively.

Ninety six 18 weeks-old local barred chickens were used to evaluate the laying performance between 19 and 32 weeks. Prior to the start of the experiment, the layers were divided on equal weight basis into 4 groups of 24 birds. Each of the 4 experimental diets including control was fed to 6 birds (experimental unit) chosen at random in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments replicated 4 times. Birds were administered commercial antistress (Aliseryl®) in drinking water after every weighing session. Feed and water were distributed ad libitum. The experiment runs for 14 weeks.  

Data collection 

During the 14-weeks experiment, the mean feed intake of birds per replicate was recorded at the end of each week. The average daily egg production of birds per replicate was recorded and weighed, and mean egg weight calculated. Layers were weighed every 14 days. The mean daily feed intake and egg production was used to determine feed/egg conversion. The market prices of feed ingredients used for the test diets at the time of the experiment were used to calculate the cost of producing one egg.  

Statistical analysis 

The data obtained on the parameters studied were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (Steel and Torrie 1980) was used to compare the treatments means. The SPSS computer software package was used for all statistical analysis. 

Results

When cassava replaced maize there were tendencies for decreases in feed intake (P=0.024), body weight of layers at first laying (P=0.027) and cumulative egg weight/hen (P=0.049). The lowest feed intake was recorded with the highest level of substitution of maize with cassava. In the same trend, the lowest cost of production of an egg and the lowest feed/dozen eggs were recorded with the highest level of cassava meal in the diet. Feed intake, average body weight of layers at first laying, age at first laying, age at 10% production, egg shape index, feed/dozen eggs and cost of production of an egg tended to decrease when the substitution level of maize with cassava meal increased in the diet. Contrary to those parameters which tended to decrease with increasing levels of cassava meal in the diet, total egg layed/hen, cumulative egg weight/hen and peak production tended to increase with the level of cassava meal in the diet (Table 2). 

Irrespective of the inclusion rate of cassava in the diet, the average egg weight was consistent in all the treatments. The feed cost per kg decreased with increasing levels of cassava meal. The highest cost per kg of feed was obtained with diet C0 containing maize as basal energy feedstuffs and the lowest with diet C100 containing cassava as the main energy feedstuffs. 

The growth curve of the chickens (Figure 1) showed that body weight increased from the first to 28 weeks with all treatments. The growth rate tended to decline and body weight became very constant from 28 weeks towards the end of the experimental period in all the groups. No mortality was recorded during the experiment.

Discussion

Local barred layer chickens fed on cassava meal recorded the lowest feed consumption as compared to the control. Feed intake of birds decrease with increasing levels of cassava root meal in the diet. This agrees with Salami and Odunsi (2003), and Anaeto and Adighibe (2011). The depressed feed consumption of layers fed diets containing graded levels of cassava meal could be due to the presence of HCN, the poor texture and dustiness of cassava associated with crop impaction and irritation of the respiratory tract of animal. This has been reported by Nwokoro and Tewe (1995), Bamgbose et al (1997), and Onifade and Babatunde (1997) to affect feed intake in monogastric animals.  

The average body weight and age at first laying declined with the increase in level of cassava meal in the diet. This is in agreement with the findings of Eruvbetine et al (1996) and Salami and Odunsi (2003) that replacement levels beyond 50% of maize in the diets of grower cockerels and layers respectively may lead to reduction in body weight gain. 

This study reveals that peak production of egg, total egg laid/hen and cumulative egg weight/hen increased with the level of cassava meal in diet of local barred-chickens. This observation contradict the findings of Aina and Fanimo (1997) and Salami and Odunsi (2003) that laying performances of layers decline with increasing levels of cassava root meal in the diet. The present study indicated that local barred layers could tolerate up to 100% replacement of maize with cassava meal in the diet without any adverse effect on laying production.  

The mean egg weight was similar in the treatments at 32 weeks of age. This shows that the total replacement of maize with cassava meal in the diet did not negatively affected the egg size. This finding contradicts the result of Aderemi et al (2006), and Anaeto and Adighibe (2011) that cassava meal inclusion above 50% reduced egg production and egg weight. Contrary to the results of this study, Akinola and Oruwari (2007) reported an increase in egg production as the level of cassava meal increased in the layers diets.  

Egg shape index, the cost of production of the egg and the efficiency of feed conversion expressed in kg of feed per dozen eggs declined with increased level of cassava root meal in the diet. The reason for this decline trend could be the decline in feed intake with increased level of cassava in the diet. This finding is in agreement with Salami and Odunsi (2003) and, Anaeto and Adighibe (2011) who reported that replacement of maize in the diets of layers with cassava led to reduction of feed cost and efficiency of conversion of feed to eggs respectively. The egg shape index recorded in this study range from 73.98 to 75.68. This is in agreement with egg shape index of Indian local chickens as reported by Gawande et al (2007). These index values are very low as compared to those reported on layers (77 to 78) by Ayanwale et al (2006).  

Body weights increased between 1 and 27 weeks of age and decline towards the end of the experimental period. This tendency is in agreement with the study of Osei-Amposah et al (2012) on Ghanian local-chickens under improved management system.  

Conclusion

• Up to 100% of maize replaced with cassava root meal in the diet did not affect the viability of the local barred chickens and there was no adverse effect on growing and laying performances. Cassava could then completely and economically replaced maize in local chickens ration when maize is expensive and scares.

References

Aderemi F A, Alabi O M and Lawal T E 2006 Utilization of whole cassava meal by egg type chicken. In: Raji AM, Oluokun JA, Odukoya SO (editors). Proceedings of the 11^th Annual conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria, 2006, Ibadan, Nigeria: Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, 2006. 73-75.

Aina A B J and Fanimo A O 1997 Substitution of maize with cassava and sweet potato meal as the energy source in the rations of layer birds. Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, 20(2/3): 163-167.

Akinola L A F and Oruwari B M 2007 Response of laying hens to total dietary replacement of maize with cassava. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 34(2): 196-202.

Anaeto M and Adighibe L C 2011 Cassava root meal as substitute for maize in layers ration. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science, 13(2): 153-156.

Ayanwale B A, Kpe M and Ayanwale V A 2006 The effect of supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the diets on egg laying and egg quality characteristics of pullets. International Journal of Poultry Science, 5(8): 759-763.

Bamgbose A M, Nwokoro S O, Kudi A C, Bogoro S, Egbo M L and Kushavaha S 1997 Effect of feeding tagernut (Cyperus rotndus L) meal on the performance of rabbits. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 29: 60-62.

Eruvbetine D, Oguntona E B, James I J, Osikoya O V and Ayodele S O 1996 Cassava (Manihot esculenta) as an energy source in diets for cockerels. International Journal Animal Science, 11: 99-101.

FAO 2008 FAOSTAT Production data base. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Retrieved from http://faostat.fao.org/site/567/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=567#ancor on11 November 2008.

Gawande S S, Kalita N, Barua N et Saharia K K 2007 Elevage du poulet local en milieu rural d’Assam (Inde). Avian Family, 17(1/2): 15-27.

Gueye E F 1998 Village egg and fowl meat production in Africa. World Poultry Science Journal, 54: 73-86.

Gueye E F 2005 Gender aspects in family poultry management systems in developing countries. World Poultry Science Journal, 61(1): 39-46.

Keambou T C, Boukila B, Moussonda G et Manjeli Y 2009 Comparaison de la qualité des oeufs et des performances de croissance des poussins locaux des zones urbaines et rurales de l’Ouest-Cameroun. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Science, 3(3): 12-17.

Moula N, Detiffe N, Fanir F, Antoine-Moussiaux and Leroy P 2012 Aviculture familialle au Bas-Congo, République du Congo (RDC). Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 24, Article #74. Retrieved May 9, 2012, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd24/5/moul24074.htm

Mutayoba S K, Katule A K, Minga U, Mtambo M M and Olsen J E 2012 The effect of supplementation on the performance of free range local chickens in Tanzania. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 24, Article #93. Retrieved May 9, 2012, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd24/5/muta24093.htm

Mwalusanya N A, Katule A K, Mutayoba S K, Minga U, Mtambo M M A and Olsen J E 2002 Nutrient content of crop contents of rural scavenging local chickens in Tanzania. British Poultry Science, 43: 90-95.

NRC 1994 Nutritional Research Council. Nutritional requirements of poultry. 9^th Rev. Edition. National Academic Press Washington DC, USA.

Nwokoro S O and Ekhosuehi E I 2005 Effect of replacement of maize with cassava peel in cockerel diets on performance and carcass characteristics. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 37: 495-501.

Nwokoro S O and Tewe O O 1995 Lysine requirement of growing cockerel. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 30: 41-45.

Onifade A A and Babatunde G M 1997 Comparative response of broiler chicks to a high fibre diet supplemented with four antibiotics. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 64: 337-342.

Oruwari B M, Anibo A O and Nkanta D M 2003 Effect of replacing maize with cassava/brewers dried yeast blend cassava yeast on performance of broiler chicks and feed cost in Southern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 30(2): 168-178.

Osei-Amponsah R, Boniface B, Kayang and Naazie A 2012 Age, genotype and sex effects on growth performance of local chickens kept under improved management in Ghana. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 44: 29-34.

Salami R I and Odunsi A A 2003 Evaluation of processed cassava peel meals as substitutes for maize in the diets of layers. International Journal of Poultry Science, 2: 112-116.

Steel  R G D and Torrie J A 1980 Principles and procedures of statistics. A biometrical approach 2^nd edition. N.Y. McGraw Hill.

Ukachukwu S N 2005 Studies on the nutritive value of composite cassava pellets for poultry: chemical composition and metabolizable energy. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 17, Article #125. Retrieved March 1, 2012, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd17/11/ukac17125.htm

Received 1 February 2013; Accepted 9 July 2013; Published 1 October 2013

Go to top