Growth performance of broiler chicks as affected by different levels of boiled taro corm (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott)

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance of broiler chicks as affected by different levels of boiled taro corm Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott). The experimental treatments were composed of 10,15, 20% boiled corm mixed with commercial feeds. Commercial feeds alone were used as control. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications with 10 birds for every treatment and 40 chicks in each replicate. One hundred-twenty, 14 day old broiler chicks were used. The experiment was done for thirty-one days. Feed and water were supplied in ad libitum manner. Feeds offered and refused were recorded on a daily basis. Average initial weights of the birds were taken at the beginning of the trial and weekly subsequently. The data were statistically analyzed using the analysis of variance for a randomized complete block design. Results revealed that the different levels of boiled taro corm did not significantly (P>0.5) affect the liveweight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, and survival rate. Moreover, raising of broilers fed with boiled taro corm mixed with feeds incurred a production cost of PHP 23,219.05. Furthermore, regardless of the levels of taro added, both pure commercial feeds and with boiled taro corm have similar influence on the performance of broilers.