Performance of Improved Indigenous Layer Chicken in Kenya fed on Processed Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Root Meal-Based Diet

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) root meal (CRM) is a readily available and inexpensive feed ingredient in tropical areas; it limits its use in poultry food due to low protein content and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) content. This study compared the impact of enzyme-treated cassava root meal (CRM) on nutrient profiles, productive traits, egg quality, and economic returns in enhanced indigenous layer hens. To determine the impact of the processing technique fermentation (spontaneous, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and the enzyme treatment on the nutritive value of CRM and the level of hydrogen cyanide, the pre-test was carried out. An experimental feeding was done over 12 weeks in a deep litter house where there were thirty-six chickens, sixteen weeks old. The cage was used to separate the experimental unit with three chickens per square meter, and each treatment was repeated three times. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric experimental diets were formulated containing 0, 25, 50 and 75% enzyme treated CRM. Data on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and egg production were collected and subjected to the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design (CRD) using the General Linear Model procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4 at a 5% significance level. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in feed intake among the treatments, but the FCR was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the 75% CRM. There was a significant difference (p< 0.05) in egg production among treatments, with a significantly low egg production at 75% CRM. The highest egg shape index was recorded in the 75% CRM diet (73.385, p<0.05), while eggshell thickness was highest in the 50% CRM (0.594 mm, p<0.05). Yolk-to-albumen ratio was highest in the 50% CRM diet (57.420, p<0.05). Economic analysis showed that the 50% CRM inclusion gave the highest economic returns (ROI of 47.7%, CBR of 1.48, and profit of KES 3,681.74 per treatment (3 chicken), p<0.05). In comparison, the 75% CRM inclusion showed the lowest economic returns. It is concluded that a CRM inclusion level of up to 50% is optimal based on feed conversion ratio, percentage egg production, egg quality, and ROI. The study recommended inclusion of up to 50% of enzyme-treated CRM for better sustainability and profitability in improved indigenous layer chicken production.