Growth Performance of Colored Broilers Given Finishing Ration with Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Corn Meal

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the performance of colored broilers given finishing ration with 0%, 10%, and 20% taro corn meal (TCM) during the finishing period. Specifically, it aimed to determine the feed consumption, gain in weight and feed efficiency of the birds. The study also aimed to determine the profitability of giving rations with taro corn meal to colored broilers during the finishing stage. The study was conducted at the Poultry Experimental House, Benguet State University, Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet from February to March 2015. Results of the study revealed no significant differences between treatments in the final weight at 56 days and average daily (ADG) gain in weight of the colored broilers during the finishing period with average values of 1.661kg and 0.039kg, respectively. On the other hand, highly significant differences were observed in the total feed intake and feed conversion ratios. Highest total feed intakes were recorded from birds given 10% TCM and 20% TCM with 3.411kg and 3.650kg, respectively, while lowest feed intake was recorded from birds given 0% TCM with 2.686kg. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds shows that birds given 10% and 20% TCM had poorer FCRs of 3.336 and 3.482, respectively while birds given ration without TCM were the most efficient in utilizing feeds with an FCR of 2.696. Data on feed cost to produce a kilogram gain in weight and return on investment show that the diet with 0% TCM had the lowest feed cost feed to produce a kg gain in weight (Php 85.32). From these results, the inclusion of taro corn meal in colored broilers diet during the finishing stage is not recommended.