Feed intake, growth performance and carcass traits of broilers fed diets with various inclusion levels of baobab seed oilcake

The effects of increasing dietary inclusion levels of baobab seed oilcake (BSOC) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and yield in Ross 308 broiler chicks were assessed. Dietary treatments (T) consisted of four levels of BSOC: T1, control (0% BSOC); T2, 5% BSOC; T3, 10% BSOC; and T4, 15% BSOC. Birds on T2 and T1 had the highest bodyweight (BW) on days 14 and 28, respectively. Feed intake (FI) was highest during the periods of 1 to 7 days and 15 to 21 days in T2 birds. From 15 to 21 days, Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was highest in T3 birds. Significant differences were noted in slaughter and carcass weights among the treatments. Although no significant differences were observed in dressing percentages among treatments, birds in T1 had a higher dressing percentage, followed by those on T2. There were no statistical differences in carcass yield among the treatments. Calculations for revenue and gross margin showed that feed costs were lower in T4 and higher in T2 in the starter phase. In in the grower phase, feed costs were lower in T4 and higher in T3. The gross margin was higher in T1 and lower in T2 in the starter phase. During the grower phase it was higher in T1 and lower in T4. It was concluded that the inclusion of 5% BSOC at most could improve growth performance. Additionally, increasing levels of BSOC reduced feed costs, with a reduction in the gross margin in the grower stage of broilers.Keywords: Baobab, broiler performance, carcass yield, protein utilization efficiency, revenu