Response of finishing broilers to graded levels of boiled Jatropha seeds

Abstract

The effect of quantitatively replacing 0,7.8, 15.6,23.4 and 31.2% of dietary ground nut-cake (30.6%)with boiled Jatropha curcas seed was investigated using 4-7 weeks old finishing broiler. Increasing the concentration of Jatropha seed in the diet, reduced average feed intake, weight gain and protein efficiency and decreased gross blood features, serum total protein, albumin and globulin, while serum creatinine level was increased. The retention of protein, fat and fibre were also depressed by dietary treatments. Mortality was significantly increased with increasing dietary level of Jatropha seeds. It is concluded that there is need for further processing of Jatropha seeds before it can be effectively utilized as an ingredient in poultry feed.