<b>Economic evaluation and performance of broilers fed with different levels of pearl millet in substitution of corn</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i1.5761

Abstract

Two experiments were carried out to determine the energy value, performance and economical feasibility of broiler chickens feeding on different levels of ADR 7010 pearl millet. Experiment 1 was conducted by using 72 broilers with 21 days of age distributed in metabolism cages. A completely randomized experimental design was conducted, with two treatments, six replicates and nine broilers per experimental unit. Pearl millet replaced 40% of reference diet. Values of apparent metabolizable energy of ADR 7010 pearl millet were 3,362 kcal kg^-1 (as dry matter) and 3,066 kcal kg^-1 (as feed basis) and 12.6% crude protein. Experiment 2 utilized 960 1-day-old chicks distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with six treatments (0; 20; 40; 60; 80 and 100% of pearl millet inclusion), five replicates and 32 birds per unit. A linear effect was reported of increasing dietary pearl millet levels on weight gain and feed intake in the starting period (1-21 days) and total period (1-41 days). The results were satisfactory for 100% replacement corn, meaning ADR 7010 pearl millet can be included at about 60% in broiler diets without compromising bird performance. Considering the performance results, pearl millet is economically efficient.