Effects of dietary inclusion of sugarcane ( saccurum officinarum) filter cake on the performances of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the feed value of sugarcane filter cake (SFC) for broilers. A total of 336 one-day-old Cobb500 were randomly allotted to seven treatments (T) with three replications. A diet without SFC (T0, control) was formulated for the starter (1–14 days), grower (15–28 days) and finisher (29–49 days) phases. The test diets contained sun-dried SFC at two levels (5% and 10%) and varied with feeding periods [(5%SFC (T1)- and 10%SFC-based diets (T2) for the entire period, 5%SFC (T3)- and 10%SFC-based diets (T4) for grower to finisher phases and 5%SFC (T5)- and 10%SFC-based diets (T6) for finisher phase]. Feed intake (FI), final body weight (FBW), total body weight gain (TBWG) and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were not affected (P > 0.05) at the starter phase. However, FI and ADG on 10%SFC diets were reduced (P < 0.05) at the grower phase. ADG and FBW (P < 0.05) were higher for the 10%SFC diet at the finisher phase. No performance differences (P > 0.05) were observed for the finisher and entire periods on 5%SFC-based diets. The overall FI, ADG and FCR did not vary among treatments (P > 0.05) however, TBWG was highest in T5 and T6. The overall feed consumption ranged from 3.86–4.26 kg/bird (P > 0.05). Treatments did not differ in dressed and eviscerated carcasses, cut parts, visceral organs and meat-to-bone ratios (P > 0.05). The 5%SFC- and 10%SFC-based diets resulted in higher net income. In conclusion, up to 10%SFC inclusion in the broiler diet for the whole period or at the finisher phase increases performances and economic benefit.