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
