Utilization of fermented castor oil seed (ricinus communis, L) meal in diets for cockerel chicks

The effect of including 0, 50, 100 and 150 gkg-1 of fermented castor oil seed (FCSM) meal in the diets of 160 day old chicks of Nera strain, on performance, nutrient digestibilities, haematology and carcass yield, was assessed for 56 days. The final live weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were affected (p<0.05) by treatments. The final live weight decreased (p<0.05) as FCSM increased in the diets. There were no differences in the weight gain of chicks fed control and 50 gkg-1 FCSM diet. The apparent nutrient digestibility of chicks fed control diets were higher (p<0.05) than those fed other dietary treatments. Chicks fed control diets recorded the highest (p<0.05) carcass yield in terms of plucked and eviscerated weight. These values obtained in chicks fed 50 gkg-1 were higher (p<0.05) than those fed 100 and 150 gkg-1 FCSM. There were no differences in back, breast, gizzard, and intestines weights. The white cell and platelet counts were affected (p<0.05) for chicks fed 100 and 150 gkg-1 FCSM diets. Higher (p<0.05) values of serum creatinine were obtained in chicks fed 100 and 150 gkg-1 FCSM. FCSM could successfully be included in chick starter diets at 50 gkg-1 inclusion.