DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2018.v05i11.001

Pages: 581-588

Abstract: This study was designed to determine the protein needs of Cameroonian indigenous barred chickens at the early stage of growth. At the starter phase (1 to 12 weeks), the experimental rations consisted of 20% (R20), 18% (R18) and 16% (R16), while at the grower phase (13 to 20 weeks), it consisted of 18% (T18), 16% (T16) and 14% (T14) protein levels. Data were recorded on feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio and carcass traits. Results revealed that weight gain significantly increased with the increasing level of dietary protein at the starter phase. The highest feed conversion ratio (4.6) was recorded with the lowest protein level (16%) while the lowest (3.92) was obtained with the highest protein level (20%). At the grower phase, increasing dietary protein level induced a significant drop in weight gain in pullets while the opposite trend was recorded in cockerels. The smallest feed conversion ratio was recorded with 18% protein which was otherwise not statistically different (p>0.05) from the result recorded with 16% protein. No significant effect of graded level of dietary protein was recorded on carcass traits. However, in pullets abdominal fat deposit increased in linear manner with the increasing protein content of the ration while the reverse trend was observed in cockerels which recorded the more developed thighs. In conclusion, at the starter phase, 20% dietary protein are needed for a better growth performance while at the grower phase, 16 and 18% dietary protein are required for a better growth rates of Cameroonian barred pullets and cockerels respectively.