Performance of broilers fed local variety of pearl millet replacing maize

The nutritive value of local variety of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) was evaluated in broilers (0–6 weeks) replacing maize at 0 (T1), 50 (T2), 75 (T3) and 100% (T4) on isocaloric and isonitrogenous basis. 120, day old broilers chicks, divided in four equal groups of three replicates of 10 chicks each, were housed in deep litter pens. The local variety of pearl millet (PML) contained 11.83, 3.66, 5.80, 3.58 and 75.13% CP, CF, EE, total ash and NFE, respectively. The total and available ME of whole and ground PML was estimated using adult cockerels. TME and AME content (Mcal/kg) increased due to grinding of PML by 8.10 and 8.73% (3.70 and 2.90 vs 2.84 and 2.67). In the starter chicks (0–3 weeks) weight gain (562.4 g) was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T2 while in finisher chicks (4–6 weeks), T3 (1127.4 g) showed better performance. At 6 weeks, T3 group performed better in terms of body weight gain (1657.48 g) and feed efficiency (1.72). The dressing % and carcass composition was comparable. Incorporation of PML at 75 and 100% reduced the serum total cholesterol by 25.82 and 29.69% respectively. HDL and LDL contents also reduced significantly (P<0.01). The feed cost per kg weight gain was lower in T3 group by Rs. 1.74. It was concluded that, PML could be effectively and economically included at 50% in starter and 75% in finisher feeds replacing maize in the broilers diets.