Authors : G.S. Ojewola, J.O. Otteh and S.F. Abasiekong
Abstract: African Yam Bean (AYB) meal and Nutrase-xyla enzyme were evaluated for their nutritive and economic efficiency in broiler starter diets. Six diets were formulated, a control (D1) and five others. AYB meal and fish meal were the major plant and animal protein sources. Diets 2,3,4,5 and 6 were supplemented with nutrase-xyla enzyme at 10g/100kg, 20kg/100g, 30g/100kg, 40/100g and 50g/100kg diet respectively. The calculated percent crude protein of the diets was 25 while metabolizable energy was 3100kcal/kg. One hundred and forty-four (144) day-old unsexed Anak 2000 strains of broiler chicks were used for the trial. Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates of 8 birds in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). The experiment lasted 5 weeks. The results showed that the mean body weight gain and feed-to-gain ratio were significantly (P<0.05) depressed. D1 had the highest body weight gain (603.02g) while diets 2,3,4,5 and 6 were 331.66g 300.83g, 300.56g, 342.36g and 341.25 respectively. The total revenue realizable from Diet 1 (N361.81) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the other diets. It was therefore concluded that the use of AYB meal with or without nutrase-xyla enzyme supplementation is not efficient and research efforts need be made towards the provision of appropriate characterization of AYB carbohydrate, protein and anti-nutritional components to allow for development of appropriate enzymes and toxin binders that could enhance their nutritive value and utilization.
Ojewola, G.S. , J.O. Otteh and S.F. Abasiekong , 2006. Effect of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) Meal-Based Diets Supplemented at Varying Levels with Nutrase-Xyla Enzyme on Broiler Starter. Agricultural Journal, 1: 172-175.