Utilization of Low-Grade Cassava Meal (Gari) in the Diets of Egg Type Chicks (0-8 Weeks)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the utilization of low-grade cassava meal (gari) in the diets of egg type chicks (0-8 weeks). The proximate analysis of gari showed that it has 2.5% crude protein, 0.3% ether extract and 3.5% crude fibre. One hundred and ninety two days old egg type chicks having equal weight were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments with two replicates and 16 birds per each replicate. The six dietary treatments composed of rations in which graded levels of gari replaced maize up to 100% in treatment six. The results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in feed consumption as the level of gari increased in the diets, while weight of birds and weight gain were significantly lower (p<0.05) for those with higher levels of gari. The feed to gain ratio and percent mortality did not show any significant difference (p>0.05). There was a decrease in cost (N)* Kg gain in weight as the level of gari increased in the diet with a savings of N65.44 k for the last treatment. It is therefore economical to use gari as a substitute for maize in the diet of egg type chicks.