Effect of Whole Cassava Meal on Performance and Egg Quality Characteristics of Layers

This study investigated the inclusion of whole cassava meal (WCM) as a replacement to maize at graded levels on the performance and egg quality characteristics of layers fed. The cassava root, leaves and tender stems were harvested chopped separately and dried, ground and mixed at ratio 3:6:1 to get WCM. Five diets were formulated, diets I contained 50% maize 0% WCM and served as the control, diets II –V had WCM at graded levels of 25, 50, 75 and100% as a replacement to maize. 40 weeks old laying chickens were used for this feeding trial which lasted for twelve weeks. Results revealed that beyond 25% inclusion level feed intake, feed efficiency and the hen day production significantly decreased. From the feed: gain ratio efficiency of utilization declined as the inclusion of WCM increased hence performance characteristics and egg laying ability of the layers were adversely affected. The shell thickness and albumen were however not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatment while yolk colour and haugh unit had no particular statistical trend. Conclusively 25% of the maize content of the layers diet could be replaced with whole cassava meal without adverse effect on the performance characteristics and egg quality parameters rather it brought down the cost of production which is desirable.