DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2025.v13i11.004

Pages: 1508-1513

The useful of unconventional resources such as Tetracarpidium conophorum oil cake in improving poultry production is a challenge for developing countries where crude protein sources are scarce and expensive. The present study evaluated the effect of separate feeding of Tetracarpidium conophorum cake on the growth performance of broiler chickens under Congolese tropical conditions. A sample of 120 healthy broiler chickens (Hubbard strain), three weeks old and weighing an average of 500 g, were randomly divided into two groups (control group: n = 60; treatment group n = 60). Each group (control and treatment) was divided in four replicates of 15 chickens per group. The control group received daily ad-libithum a complete diet mixed with T. conophorum œil cake. While the treatment group received ad-libithum the basal diet and the oil cake offered separately in an additional feeder. Both diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. The experiment lasted from day 21 to day 42. The two groups and replicate were compared on body live weight, feed intake, feed efficiency and average body weight gain. Compared to the control group the treatment improved significantly final body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, voluntary feed intake, and water consumption, while moderating cake intake. These results support the potential domestication and valorization of Tetracarpidium conophorum as a sustainable local protein source for poultry in tropical areas.