Title : Effect of varying Fermentation Durations of Urea Untreated Orange Peel Meal (FUUOPM) on the performance and cost-effectiveness of broiler chicken production
Abstract:
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying fermentation durations of urea untreated orange peel meal (FUUOPM) on the performance and cost-effectiveness of broiler chicken production. Orange peels were collected from local markets within Zaria metropolis and dried to reduce it moisture content. Aspergillus niger was isolated and enriched to prepare an inoculum which was used to inoculate the orange peel meal and placed in air tight container for 3-, 6-, and 9- days. Proximate composition and amino acid profiles were determined subsequently after the termination on each fermentation days. A total of 240 Arbor Acre broiler chicks were allocated into four dietary treatments: control (0-day fermentation) and FUUOPM diets subjected to 3-, 6-, and 9-day fermentation. Each treatment had 4 replicates with 15 chicks per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and formulated to include FUUOPM at 20%. Results showed significant (P<0.05) differences in growth performance metrics, with the 3-day fermentation group recording the highest final body weight (3015.25g), total weight gain (2980.25g), and average daily weight gain (53.22g). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better (P<0.05) in the 3- and 6-day fermentation groups (1.94 and 1.88, respectively) compared to the control and 9-day diets. Economic analysis revealed that the 6-day fermentation diet had the lowest total feed cost (N 5483.49/kg) and highest net profit (N 688.86), with the best benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.30. The study concluded that FUUOPM at 20% inclusion level improves broiler performance, especially with 3- or 6-day fermentation periods, without negative effects on health. Furthermore, the 6-day fermentation diet demonstrated the highest economic efficiency, making it a promising alternative feed ingredient for cost-effective broiler production.
