Abstract

A total of one hundred (100) day old broilers of mixed sexes were used to investigate the effects of graded levels of distillers dried grain on performance, nutrient utilization, and carcass evaluation. The birds were randomly allocated to five treatment groups of 20birds, and were further replicated five times. The five treatments comprised of graded levels of Distiller Dried Grain (DDG) in 0, 10, 20, 30 40% inclusion to replace maize.

Feed intake, weight gain and feed/gain ratio were significantly affected (P<0.05) by levels of DDG. Average daily feed intake increased with increasing levels of DDG. Birds fed 40% DDG had the highest (72.90g/bird/day) feed intake while the birds on the control diet had the lowest (68.04g/bird/day) feed intake. Weight gain was significantly affected (P<0.05) by dietary DDG. Birds fed 10% DDG had the highest weight gain (27.95g/bird/day). Beyond this dietary inclusion level (10%), weight gain continued to decrease. Birds fed 40% DDG had the lowest weight gain (23.10g/bird/day). Nutrient retention was significantly affected (P<0.05) by dietary DDG. Protein and fat retention decreased with increase in level of dietary DDG. These nutrients were retained more by broilers fed 10% dietary level of DDG. Dietary levels of DDG had no significant influence (P<0.05) on the relative weight of the different body parts. It was concluded that up to 10% DDG can be used in broiler starter and finisher diet.

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