Nutritional Evaluation of Cassava Peel Meal as a Substitute for Maize in Broiler Diets

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background to the Study

The poultry industry remains one of the fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria’s agricultural economy, providing employment, income, and a major source of animal protein. However, the high cost of feed ingredients has continued to threaten the profitability of broiler production. Among these ingredients, maize stands out as the most expensive energy source used in poultry diets (Olugbemi et al., 2021). Its increasing demand for human consumption and industrial use has created intense competition, leading to price fluctuations and shortages.

To address this challenge, researchers and farmers have explored alternative feed resources that are cheaper, readily available, and nutritionally beneficial. One promising alternative is cassava peel meal, a by-product obtained from cassava processing. Cassava peels are rich in carbohydrates, making them a potential substitute for maize in broiler diets (Esonu et al., 2020). When properly processed to remove anti-nutritional factors such as cyanogenic glycosides, cassava peel meal can provide sufficient energy for poultry growth and development.

Evaluating the nutritional value of cassava peel meal is essential to determine its effect on the growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Furthermore, the use of cassava by-products in animal feed can help reduce environmental waste, support local cassava farmers, and promote sustainable poultry production (Uchegbu and Udedibie, 2019).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The high cost of maize-based feeds remains a major limitation to poultry production in Nigeria. Many farmers struggle to sustain production because feed expenses account for over 70% of total costs. Although cassava peels are abundant and cheap, their use in broiler diets has not been fully optimized due to concerns about nutritional quality and anti-nutritional compounds. There is therefore a need to evaluate the nutritional composition and growth effects of cassava peel meal to determine its suitability as a partial or complete replacement for maize.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional potential of cassava peel meal as a substitute for maize in broiler diets. The specific objectives are to:

1. Determine the proximate composition of cassava peel meal compared with maize.

2. Assess the growth performance of broilers fed diets containing different levels of cassava peel meal.

3. Evaluate the feed conversion ratio and cost-effectiveness of the diets.

4. Analyze the carcass characteristics of broilers fed cassava-based diets.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the nutritional composition of cassava peel meal compared with maize?

2. How does cassava peel meal inclusion affect broiler growth and feed intake?

3. What level of cassava peel meal substitution yields optimal growth performance?

4. Does cassava peel meal improve feed cost efficiency in broiler production?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it explores a sustainable solution to one of the biggest challenges facing poultry production — high feed costs. By identifying an effective maize substitute, farmers can lower production expenses and improve profitability. The findings will also benefit feed manufacturers by providing scientific data for developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly feeds. Additionally, policymakers can use the results to promote the use of local agricultural by-products, reducing dependence on imported feed materials and supporting rural livelihoods.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on the nutritional evaluation of cassava peel meal and its effects on broiler performance. Experimental diets will include different substitution levels of cassava peel meal for maize. Parameters such as weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and carcass yield will be measured over a defined growth period.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

• Cassava Peel Meal: A by-product of cassava tubers obtained after peeling and processing, used as an alternative energy source in animal feed.

• Broiler Chickens: Meat-type chickens bred for rapid growth and high feed efficiency.

• Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): The measure of how efficiently an animal converts feed into body weight.