Determination of optimum blood meal level for performance of broilers under Sudan condition

Different unconventional feed stuffs are used in poultry production to decrease ration cost and the environmental, nutritional and economic benefits derived from the maximal utilization of animal blood. This study was established to assess the effect of feed partially replaced dried blood content supplemented on growth performance responses and carcass. In a feeding trial, 240 commercial broiler chicks a day old, with an average starting weight of 48.40± 1.50 g, Lehmann breed unsexed commercial broiler were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments consisted of the control diet, and three diets which contained varying levels of Sun-dried blood meals SDBM (3, 4 and 5 %) respectively. The experimental diets were formulated to be both isonitrgenous (22.5% CP) and isocaloric (3.10 Mcal /kg). Feed and water were provided adlibitum for a period of 6 weeks. Data for the entire 42 days growth assay indicate the concentration of SDBM in the diet had impact on feed intake. However, birds fed SDBM at 3 or 5% had better weight gains and feed efficiency (p < 0.05) than birds fed 4% SDBM and the SDBM free diet. Carcass yields were similar. Mortality was also unaffected by dietary treatments. In addition, Analysis of productive parameters indicated that dietary SDBM up to 5% had a positive effect on growth performance and that partial replacement of protein sources (blood meal and groundnut cake) with SDBM was possible.