Evaluation of alternative energy sources to replace maize in marshal broiler diets: effects on growth performance, meat quality, and serum biochemistry

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of substituting maize grain with alternative energy sources (white Guinea corn, cassava flour, and sweet potato flour) on the growth performance, feed intake, serum biochemistry, and sensory attributes of Marshal Broilers. The research addressed the challenge of fluctuating availability and rising costs of maize, a key poultry feed component. Four dietary treatments were tested over an eight-week period with 400 day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks, divided into four groups of 100 birds each. The control group (T1) received a maize-based diet, while T2, T3, and T4 received diets incorporating various combinations of white Guinea corn, cassava flour, and sweet potato flour. Key metrics such as body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion efficiency were measured weekly, while serum biochemistry and sensory attributes were assessed at the end of the experiment. Results indicated that the T4 diet (a blend of maize, white Guinea corn, sweet potato, and cassava) significantly improved growth performance, with an average final body weight of 3,602 g compared to 3,574 g for T1. Feed conversion efficiency was highest in T4 (1.60) versus T1 (1.57). Broilers on T4 also exhibited improved metabolic health, as evidenced by lower glucose (160.80 mg/dl) and cholesterol (122.30 mg/dl) levels. Sensory evaluation highlighted superior taste and aroma for broilers on T4, with a score of 7.69 out of 9 compared to 7.23 for T1. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences (p<0.05) across dietary treatments in all measured parameters. The findings demonstrate that substituting maize with these alternative energy sources can enhance broiler growth, improve meat quality, and promote better metabolic health. These outcomes are attributed to the balanced energy and nutrient profile of the T4 diet, which effectively addressed the problem of maize dependency. The results hold promise for sustainable and cost-effective poultry production, especially under conditions of maize scarcity or high cost