CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED GRADED LEVEL OF ACACIA ALBILA IN SEMI-ARID ZONE OF MAIDUGURI BORNO STATE.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to; study to evaluate the carcass characteristic of broiler chicken fed graded levels of acacia albida pod meal in semi-Arid Zone of Nigeria. A total of 144-day-old broiler chicks was purchased for the study. The chicks were brooded for two weeks during which they were fed commercial broiler starter diet, after the brooding period the bird were transferred to pen and fed the formulated experimental starter diet from 3-4 weeks and experimental finisher diet from 5-7 weeks. The chemical composition of the Acacia pod and experimental diet was determined according to AOAC (2000) method. Dry matter (DM) content of the sample was determined by weighing and oven drying at 105°C for 24 hours. After cooling and weighing, the procedure was repeatedly carried out until constant weights were obtained. The data collected and subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Completely Randomized Design (Steel et al., 1997). Significant differences between the treatment means were separated and compared using Duncan’s multiple range test Ducan, 1955). A computer package (Statistic 1000) will be used for the analysis. The findings of the study revealed that broiler chickens fed graded levels of Acacia albida leaf meal exhibited differences in certain carcass characteristics. Live weight was significantly affected, with T1, T2, and T4 performing better than T3, indicating that higher inclusion levels may reduce growth efficiency. Although bled weight, plucked weight, dressed weight, and dressing percentage did not differ significantly. It is recommended that Acacia albida leaf meal should be included only at moderate levels in broiler diets to maintain good carcass yield and overall performance, while very high inclusion levels should be avoided due to their negative effects on growth and muscle development.