The effect of feeding cowpea (vigna ungialata) on broiler chicks performance and some carcass quality measurements [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding graded levels (zero, 10, 20 and 30%) of cowpea on broiler chick's performance, dressing percentage and carcass cuts relative weight. A total of 160 unsexed broiler chicks (Hubbard) were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments and each treatment contained four replicates (l0 birds/replicate). Feeding graded levels of cowpea resulted in no significant differences in total and weekly feed intake (g/bird), but it tended to be higher for birds fed the control diet (zero level). Total and weekly weight gain (g/bird) and feed conversion ratio of six weeks old broiler chicks were significantly (P<0.05) improved for birds fed all levels of coepea compared to the control diet. Dressing percentage was significantly (P<0.05) improved by inclusion of cowpea, while carcass cuts relative weights showed a significant (P<0.05) improvement in the relative weight of breast and thigh of carcasses of birds kept on 30% cowpea compared to the other dietary treatments.