Potential of Shea Caterpillar (Cirina butyrospermi) as a Feed Ingredient in the Diet of the Pearl Guinea Fowl.

Abstract

As a partial to total replacement of fish meal (FM) in the diet of the pearl Guinea fowl reared under intensive system up to 16 weeks of age. Seventy-Five pearl Guinea fowls aged 6 weeks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with 3 replicates in a completely randomized design. The inclusion levels of SCM in the diet were, 0 % (control), 25 %, 50 %, 75 % 100 % of Fish meal. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Parameters measured were feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass characteristics. Haematological and serum biochemical indices, cost–benefit ratio (CBR) and return on investment (RoI) were also evaluated. Results showed that feed intake was significantly higher (P = 0.04) in birds that received the test diets. Body weight gain and final body weight did not vary significantly (P > 0.05), however 75 % and 100 % inclusion levels of SCM tended to have a lower bodyweight compared to the other groups. FCR was significantly better (P = 0.02) in birds that received 50 % of the test diet and the control (0 %). Liveweight was statistically higher (P = 0.049) in birds that received 50 % compared to those that received 75 % and 100 % no influence on live weight and mortality rate. Carcass weight and dressing percentage were significantly lower (P > 0.05) in treatment groups that received higher levels of the test diet (75 % and 100 %). All the relative weights of the organs were not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments except the liver. Red and white blood cell indices did not differ among diets. Dietary SCM did not affect blood biochemical characteristics. The results further revealed a CBR and RoI for all dietary treatments however, CBR and RoI were similar (P = 0.01) in both 50 % and the control. It was concluded that SCM could be a suitable and cost-effective alternative to fishmeal in the diet of the pearl Guinea fowl. SCM is thus recommended at an inclusion level not exceeding 50 %.