Proximate composition, anti–nutritional factors and the effect of irish potato (Solanum tuberosum l.) peels on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

The effect of replacing maize with lrish potato peel meal (IPPM) in the diets of broiler chickens was investigated, proximate analysis and anti–nutritional factor analysis were carried out. IPPM has a DM content of 90.03%, CP of 13.28, CF of 5.27, Oil of 0.32, Ash of 7.11, NFE of 74.02% and metabolisable energy of 3110.22 Kcal/kg. The content of anti–nutrients are phytate 1.84 mg/100g, tannins 3.96 mg/100g, oxalate 0.69 mg/100g, sapponin 1.60 mg/100g, trypsin inhibitors 2.40 mg/100g and cyanide 0.96 mg/100g. One hundred and eighty broilers of mixed sexes were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments of forty five (45) birds/treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Diet 1 was the control devoid of IPPM while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained IPPM at 5, 10 and 15% levels, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad–libitum throughout the study period that lasted 9 weeks. Routine management practices and vaccines were strictly adhered to. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain and were used to calculate other growth parameters. At the end of the trial, two animals from each replicate were slaughtered, de-feathered, eviscerated and dissembled for carcass evaluation. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in weight gain, feed intake, feed cost/kg gain but mortality did not differ across treatments. Diets 2 and 3 compared favorably with the control. Results of carcass analysis showed significant (p<0.05) differences in dressing percentage and percentages of primal cuts such as drumstick, thigh, chest and back. Organs such as liver, lungs, heart, spleen, gizzard and kidneys also differ significantly (p>0.05) but intestines did not (p>0.05) differ across treatments. Results indicate that sun–dried IPPM can be included up to 15% level in broiler feed thus reducing the cost of production without adverse effect on the performance of the broilers.Keywords: Broilers, Irish potato peels, Proximate, Anti-nutrient, Performanc