Abstract

A study was conducted to examine the effect of fermented cassava peel meal on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty (150) unsexed day-old chicks (arbor acre breed) were obtained from a reputable hatchery and used for the study. The chicks were randomly allocated to five treatments, each with three replicates and ten birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were given to the birds ad libitum and the experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The result of this study revealed that there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in total feed intake (TFI), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, final weight gain (FWG). total weight gain (TWG) and average daily weight gain (ADWG) were significantly affected (p>0.05) across the treatment groups. In the nutrient digestibility study, dry matter, ash and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were not affected (p<0.05). nevertheless, the digestibility of crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract was significantly influenced (p>0.05). The results obtained suggest that fermented cassava peel meal could be included in broiler chicken diets up to 20% without adverse effects on growth performance and nutrient digestibility.