Abstract
A total of one-hundred-and-sixty-day-old broiler chickens were used to evaluate the effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera powder as a feed additive on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. Four experimental diets were formulated with the incorporation of Tetrapleura tetraptera powder at 0, 100g, 200g and 300g per 100kg feed and labelled as T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. The broilers were allotted into four groups of forty birds. Each group was assigned one of the experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Each group consisting of forty birds, was further divided into four replicates, with ten birds each. All data collected were analyzed statistically. Results obtained indicated significant (P<0.05) differences in both the final weight and average weight gain of the birds at the starter phase. The highest significant (P<0.05) final weight and average weight gain values were recorded for birds fed diets in T4 group. This was followed by T3 which was significantly higher than T2 and T1. The feed intake of the birds at the starter phase were not significantly different while the feed conversion ratio indicated significant (P<0.05) difference in their values. Birds in T4 group recorded the best and lowest feed conversion ratio values. In the finisher phase, the result followed a similar pattern as the starter phase. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in final weight, average weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Nutrient digestibility of the birds indicated significant (P<0.05) differences in crude fibre, crude protein, ash, and ether extract values with the highest value recorded in T4. It was concluded therefore that Tetrapleura tetraptera could be added in the diet of broiler birds at 300 g/kg as feed additive to enhance growth performance and nutrients digestibility.