Effects of Replacing Wheat Offal with Varying Levels of Pineapple Waste Meal on the Growth Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The study was undertaken to determine the effects of replacing wheat offal with varied levels of pineapple waste meal on the growth characteristics of broiler chickens. This research was conducted in the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Osun State College of Education Ila-Orangun. Research results showed that replacement of wheat offal with pineapple waste meal (PWM) increased the fibre quantity of the treatments (diets). Birds fed 50% PWM performed better than others in growth performance both in starter and finisher phases. With respect to carcass characteristics, birds fed with control diet performed better in starter and finisher phases. Also, results of the study revealed that relative internal organ weights especially liver and gizzard were significantly higher in the birds fed 100% PWM at starter and finisher phases. It could be concluded that at both starter and finisher phases, performance of broiler was maximum at 50% PWM. Thus, farmers could include pineapple waste meal (PWM) up to 50% for the replacement of wheat offal in the diet of broiler chicken as alternative source of fibre without any deleterious effect.