Evaluating Genetic Parameters of Cockerels Offered Graded Levels of Sunflower And Beef Tallow Oils (Published)
The effect of sunflower oil and beef tallow, on performance of cockerels was studied. One hundred and twenty (120) day-old Anak cockerel chicks were randomly and equally allotted to six treatment groups, (Diet I – Control,) (Diet 2- SO 3.0%), (Diet 3 – SO 6.0%); (Diet 4 -BT3.0%), (Diet 5-BT 6.0%) and (Diet 6-SO 3.% and BT 3.0%), replicated twice with 20 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 91 days. The results showed that body weight gain and feed -to-gain ratio for all the treatments were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced. Birds fed diet 3 had the highest weight gain (1377.30g) followed by 5 bird fed diet 5 while birds fed diets 1,4 and 6 respectively had their weight depressed. Birds fed diet 6 gave the best feed-to- gain ratio (4.38). The feed cost per kilogramme diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the increasing oil proportion inclusion. Diet 1 (control) gave the least cost per kg weight gain (N158.88) and the lowest accruable. Revenue (N425.56). From the results of this study, it world appear that birds fed diet 6 attain early sexual maturity and better body conformation.
Keywords: Anak cockerel., Conformation, Performance, Sexual maturity, beef tallow, sunflower oil