Y. Manjeli; J. Tchoumboue and J. Djoukam
Department of Zootechnie
Centre Universitaire de Dschang
Cameroun
Abstract
One hundred 6-week-old broiler chickens with average weight ranging from 892 to 921 g were randomly distributed into 5 groups of 20 each in a completely randomised design. Each group was fed one of the following experimental rations containing 0, 5, 10, 16 and 20 % water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L) as a substitute for wheat middlings for 4 weeks.
The best performance in terms of feed efficiency (2.74) was obtained with birds fed, the ration containing 10% water lettuce. The average daily weight gain was 44.56 g/day and cost per kg live weight gain was 284 CFA (US$ = 295 CFA in 1987).
This preliminary study indicated that 10% water lettuce may be recommended in finishing rations of broiler chickens.
