Effects of fermented cassava root-leaf meal as a replacement for maize on performance, carcass yield and gut microflora of ducks

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of replacing maize with fermented cassava root – leaf meal (FCRLM) on growth performance, carcass yield and gut micro flora of mallard ducks. A total of one hundred and fifty, one-day old unsexed Mallard ducklings with average initial weight of 60g were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design over a 42- day feeding trial. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 10 ducks each. Dietary treatment consisted of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% replacement level of maize with FCRLM. Highest (P<0.05) final live weight, weight gain and feed intake were recorded with ducks fed diet containing 25% FCRLM. The least (P<0.05) final live weight and weight gain was recorded with 75 and 100% replacement of maize. Ducks fed control diet, 25 and 50% replacement of maize recorded the best (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio. Control group and those fed with 25% replacement of maize had higher(P<0.05) dressed weight while the rest treatment showed reduced (P<0.05) values. Ducks fed with 50%, 75% and 100% replacement of maize with FCRLM showed higher (P<0.05) Lactobacillus count than other treatments. It can be concluded that cassava root when fermented with cassava leaves (at ratio 1: 0.3; cassava root: cassava leaf) can successfully replace maize up to 50% replacement value with improved growth, carcass yield and gut microflora.