Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate the cost-saving and performance outcomes of Baker's yeast and Biotronic® Top Forte (BTF) as dietary supplements for broiler chickens during the starter (1-4 weeks) and finisher (5-6 weeks) phases. The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the
Department of Animal Science Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Kaduna State University (KASU), Kafanchan Campus. A total of 132-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, fed diets supplemented with 0g (control), 300g of Baker's yeast, 300g of Biotronic® Top Forte, and a combination of 300g each of Baker's yeast and Biotronic® Top Forte. Data collected were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the significant means separated by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at a 95% confidence level. Results indicated significant differences (p<0.05) across all parameters measured among diets both in the starter (1-4 weeks) and finisher (5-6 weeks) phases. During the starter phase, Baker's yeast diet had the highest feed intake of 0.96kg, with a feed cost of ₦490.20/kg. The total weight gain for this diet was 1.47kg, with a feed cost per kilogram gain of ₦773.49/kg. At finisher phase, the combined treatment diet of 300g each of Baker's yeast and Biotronic® Top Forte had a total feed intake of 1.28kg and a total weight gain of 1.20kg, with a feed cost per kilogram gain of ₦991.66/kg gain. Also, the diet gave a cost saving of ₦24.67/kg gain compared to the other diets. It was concluded that 300g each of Baker's yeast and Biotronic® Top Forte are more economical and are effective in enhancing the growth performance of broiler chickens throughout their growth phases.