Department of Animal Science, Anambra State University Igbariam, PMB 6059 Awka, Nigeria
Anlebo, A.O., Department of Animal Science, Anambra State University Igbariam, PMB 6059 Awka, Nigeria
A feeding trial using 480 day-old Anak broiler chicks was conducted in which cassava meal (CM) fortified with brewers' dried yeast (BDY) completely replaced maize in four out of five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. The objective was to determine the influence of cassayeast produced from varying combinations of cassava (Manihot esculenta) and brewers's dried yeast (Saccharomyces cerevicea) on broiler performance. Dried CM blended with BDY formed cassayeast in the ratios of 30/11.1; 35/12.94; 40/14.79 and 45/16.64 in dietary treatments B, C, D and E, respectively. Diet A (control) contained maize without the test ingredient. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in feed intake, body weight gain, efficiency of feed utilization (Feed: gain and gain: feed ratios) and weights of breast and liver. Gizzard weights were similar (P>0.05). The study demonstrated that the use of cassayeast could improve feed availability in the broiler industry. It also showed that with proper protein balancing, cassayeast can completely replace maize in broiler diets.