INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Poultry industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the agricultural sub-sector in Nigeria
(Udoh and Etim, 2009). It accounts for 9-10% of the agricultural GDP with net worth value of
over three billion Naira (Sonaiya, 2000). Poultry population is 140 million sub-divided into
commercial (25%), semi-commercial (15%) and rural/backyard (60%) (Udoh and Etim, 2009).
Poultry farming is an integral component oflivelihood for both rural and urban middle income
earners providing a source of income and nutrition. Estimated one billion table eggs and
500,000metric tonnes of poultry meat are produced annually (Agbamu, 2005).
In Nigeria, animal protein especially meat is expensive and out of reach of the majority of the
population (Waziri and Agbugba, 2010). The effect of inadequate animal protein intake is felt
more by a large proportion of the population especially in the rural areas where the inhabitants
constitute over 70% of the Nigerian population and who constitute over 85% of the extreme
poor in the country (Chukwuji, Inoni, Ogisi, and Oyaide, 2006).
According to Kalla et al., (2007), broilers are chickens raised specifically for meat production.
Modern commercial broilers for example, Cornish crosses, Cornish rocks, are specifically bred
for large scale, efficient meat production and grow much faster than egg laying hens or
traditional dual purpose breeds. They are noted for having very fast growth rates, a high feed
conversion ratio and low levels of activity (Sonaiya, 1990). Broilers often reach a harvest
weight of 2kg in only 6-8 weeks, although more slow growing free range and organic strains
reach slaughter weight at 12-16 weeks (Sani et al., 2000). Typical broilers have white feathers
and yellowish skin. This cross is also favourable for meat production because it lacks the typical
“hair” which many breeds have that necessitates singeing after plucking. Both male and female
broilers are slaughtered for their meat (Damerow, 2011).
According to Izunobi (2002), protein is one of the several natural substances that exist in food
such as meat, eggs and beans, which the body needs in order to grow and remain strong and
healthy. Animal protein helps in body building and growth of the reproductive system and
enhancing community against diseases. The sources of animal protein such as fish, beef (from
cow), goat meat, pork and chickens are readily available in our communities and country
(Kitalyi, 1998).
However, broilers are the easiest means of getting animal protein in commercial quantity.
(Kumar and Pandey, 1999). These are special breeds of chickens, which are raised under
intensive care for the sole purpose of being slaughtered within a period of eight weeks (Law and
Payne, 1999). Broilers are rich in protein, highly palatable and very succulent. Broiler meat is
an important source of high quality proteins, minerals and vitamins to balance the human diet
(Henning et al., 2007). Broilers have the ability for fast growth and high feed conversion
efficiency. Investment justification shows that Nigeria is about the largest market in the black
world for such food items (Ovwigho et al., 2009). The market for broilers is almost assured
because less that 50% of the food requirement in Nigeria is currently being met. As a result,
whatever is produced has a ready-made market, even at good price. Land requirement for
broiler production is very minimal and market also exists in other African countries such as
Niger Republic, Chad Republic and Northern Cameroon (Ostrander, 2008).
Nowadays, various commercial feed mills are producing different forms of broiler feed for
different age group of bird (Munt et al., 1995). Pelleting is a processing method that is
employed by the feed manufactures to improve farm animal performance (Nir et al., 1995).
The physical form of feed (mash, pellet and crumble) is a crucial factor in meat yield of broiler
(Preston et al., 2000). Different types of feed forms have been evolved in broiler production at
the present time (Reese et al., 1985). Various feed forms including pellet, mash or crumble that
are fed to broilers are the most important factors which directly influence the cost of mixed feed
and production performance of broiler (Munt et al., 1995). The major objective of poultry
feeding is the conversion of feedstuff into meat (Moran, 1990). Mash is a form of a complete
feed that is finely ground and mixed so that birds cannot easily separate out ingredients; each
mouthful provides a well-balanced diet (Asha et al., 1998). However, ground feed is not so
palatable and does not retain their nutritive value so well as ungrounded feed (Nir et al., 1995).
Mendes et al., (1995) showed that birds fed mash diets had a better feed conversion efficiency
than those given the pellet. Moran (1990), observed that the incidence of sudden death
syndrome (SDS) was significantly higher for broilers fed on crumble-pellet or ground crumble-
pellet form diet than for birds fed on mash.
Pellet system of feeding is really a modification of the mash system. It consists of mechanically
pressing the mash into hard dry pellets or "artificial grains". Pellet is a form of complete feed
that is compacted and extruded to about 1/8 inch in diameter and 1/4 inch in long (Banerjee,
1998). The greatest advantage in using pellets is that there is little waste in feeding. The
disadvantage is that pellets are expensive-about 10 percent more expensive than that of feeds not
pelleted. (Asha Rajini et al., 1998) reported that pellets had better-feed efficiency up to six-week
age of birds. On the other hand, Moran (1990) observed that pelleting of feed improves the body
weight of poultry. Bolton and Blair (1977) reported that feed intake of broilers could be up to 10
per cent greater with crumble or pellets compared with mash.
Statement of Problem
Feeding has been recognized as the most important aspect in broiler production. About 60 to
70% of the cost of poultry production is attributable to feed cost alone, therefore, it has become
critical to make concerted efforts to reduce feed cost without compromising the overall
productivity of the birds. Today, the vast majority of commercial poultry are produced in large
units where knowledge of science and technology have been maximized. Thus, any
improvement in the performance of broilers occasioned by diet would inevitably have a profound
effect on profitability of broiler farming.
Additionally, the success of raising broilers for maximum weight gain depends not only upon
the feeding regimes and quality of the birds and management but also on feed brand. Feed
brand in broilers can improve feed efficiency, reduce feed cost and mortality along with the
production of quality meat at cheaper rates.
More also, the physical form of feed (mash, pellet and crumble) is a crucial factor in meat yield
of broiler (Preston et al., 2000). Optimising feed conversion is of utmost importance (Banerjee,
1998). Thus, providing meat birds diets in the right form improves the rate and efficiency of
growth. Also, the need to examine the performance of different forms of feed leading to
cumulative feed conversion and higher growth of broilers cannot be overemphasized (Asha et
al., 1998). Poultry meat production offer considerable potential for bridging the nutritional gap
of Nigerians, because animal protein consumption is currently less than the FAO recommended
minimum intake of 65g/caput/day out of which 26g (i.e. 40%) should come from animal sources
(Yakubu et al., 2007).
Aim and Objectives of the Study
The general objective of the study is to assess the efficiency of different brand of feeds on the
growth rate of broilers in the Maiduguri.
This will be achieved through the following objectives:
 i. To determine which brand of feed is more effective in body weight gain.
ii. To find out which brand of feed encourages more feed intake by the birds.
iii. To ascertain which brand of feed ensures overall productivity of the birds.
Significance of the Study
This study will assist both feed millers and broiler meat producers (poultry farmers) to know
which form of feed to use in order to attain the highest level of productivity.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Procurement of Stock.
Seven (7) day old Broiler chicks will be purchased from a reputable dealer at Maiduguri. The
chicks will be inspected for any deformities and health problems such as lameness, crooked legs
and beaks, pasty vents and unhealed navels.
Experimental Diets.
All mash rations containing Crude Protein will be baught from 3 different brands (namely
Chinkun feeds, Top feed and Vital feed) found in Maiduguri market.
Experimental Design, Treatments and Distribution of Birds.
The Completely Randomized Design (CRD) will be used in the study. The chicks will be
randomly distributed to the different treatments and replicated thrice with ten (10) birds per
treatment. For comparison of treatment means, Least Significant Differences (LSD) will be used.
Management/Experimental Procedures
Brooding.
Identical care and management was provided to all birds in the different treatments throughout
the duration of the study.
Feeding.
The birds in the different treatments will be fed with their corresponding rations throughout the
duration of the study. Ad libitum feeding will be practiced. Clean fresh water was provided as
drinking water to the birds throughout the study.
Procedure
A feeder of 60cm x 8cm x 5cm and a 3 litres capacity drinker will be provided in each pen. The
position of the feeders such that the birds can eat and drink freely and conveniently. Saw dust
will be used on the floor to maintain hygiene in the pens and to make the birds comfortable.
Throughout the experimental period, feed and water were provided to the bird’s ad libitum.
Feed and drinking water will be given to the birds twice (in the morning and early evening)
daily. Furthermore, the birds will be exposed to a continuous lighting of 22 hours 30 minutes
and a dark period of one hour 30 minutes in each 24 hours of photo period. During night,
electric bulb of 100 watts will be used to provide both light and additional heat. A standard
vaccination schedule was adopted for the birds throughout the experimental period. To ensure
sanitation and hygiene, drinkers will be washed twice daily in the morning and evening while
feeders will be cleaned twice weekly. However, litter will be changed twice weekly for the first
two weeks and every other day from week 3 to the end of the experiment. Experimental house
temperature will be recorded 4 times daily (6am, 12pm, 6pm and 12am) using a thermometer.
Dead and culled birds were sent to the pathology laboratory for investigation. During the
experimental period, treatment and replication wise data on live weight, feed consumption,
survivability and feed conversion ratio will be recorded. Information on body weight gain and
feed conversion ratio were calculated using the formula below:
Feed intake (g)
FCR =
Live weght ( g)
Data Collection
The following data will be collected during the experimental period.
Body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, dressed weight, mortality and livability,
other observations and economic analysis.