COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF LOCALLY FORMULATED POULTRY FEED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL WASTES (CEIBA PENTANDRA, SUGARCANE CHAFFS, SNAIL SHELLS, BANANA PEELS, AND RICE HUSK) WITH BRANDED POULTRY FEED.

This study presents a comparative evaluation of locally formulated poultry feed derived from selected environmental wastes Ceiba pentandra seeds, sugarcane chaffs, snail shells, banana peels, and rice husk against commercially branded poultry feed. The objective was to assess the nutritional adequacy, growth performance, and economic viability of the alternative feed formulation in broiler production. Proximate analysis was conducted to determine the crude protein, fiber, fat, ash, and moisture content of the local feed blend. A feeding trial was carried out over six weeks using two groups of broiler chicks: one fed with the locally formulated feed and the other with a standard branded feed. Parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality rate, and overall health status were monitored. Results indicated that while the branded feed showed slightly superior growth performance, the locally formulated feed demonstrated comparable nutritional value and significantly reduced production costs. The findings suggest that environmental waste-based feed formulations can serve as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives for small-scale poultry farmers, contributing to waste reduction and food security.