Asian Journal of Animal Sciences1819-1878xxxx-xxxxxAsian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/ajas.2012.23.32Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) Corm-based Diets]]>OlajideR. 1201261The performance of hydro broiler chickens fed graded levels of soaked wild cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) corms (SWCC) as a partial substitute for maize were investigated in a 28 day study. One hundred and twenty (120) 4 week old hydro broiler chickens of similar average weight were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 3 replicates of 10 birds each. Four experimental diets were formulated such that SWCC replaced maize at 0.00, 10.00, 20.00 and 30.00% in the diets. The birds were fed ad libitum and clean drinking water was provided throughout the period of the study. Parameters investigated include the growth performance, carcass characteristics, haematological and serum biochemical indices. Result of the growth performance showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in average weekly feed intake. Average weekly weight gain and cost per kilogram feed decreased (p<0.05); FCR increased (p<0.05) with increased inclusion of SWCC in the diets. Cost of feed per kilogram weight gain (CFPKWG) of birds fed on all SWCC-based diets were significantly (p<0.05) lower than control. Result of carcass analysis indicated that live weight, plucked weight, Eviscerated Weight (EW), Dressed Weight (DW), GIT and organs (kidney, liver and gizzard) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by dietary treatments. The highest (p<0.05) EW (72.91%) and DW (64.78%) of the control were similar (p>0.05) to EW (71.51%) and DW (63.33%) of 10% SWCC; but higher (p<0.05) than those of 20 and 30% SWCC. Organ weights reflected their roles in handling residual anti-nutritional factors in SWCC. Variations obtained in all the serum biochemical indices and haematological parameters investigated were not significant (p<0.05). This may suggest adequacy of the nutrients and absence of deleterious health implications for the birds. It was concluded that SWCC can economically replace 30% of maize in the diets of broiler finishers with no deleterious effects on carcass quality and health of the birds.]]>Agwunobi, L.N., P.O. Angwukam, O.O. Cora and M.A. Isika,2002Colocasia esculenta (taro cocoyam) in the diets of weaned pigs.]]>34241247Akpodiete, O.J., A.D. Ologhobo and O.G. Ayoade,199726474Alokan, J.A.,2000Azoila pinnata) in the diet of growing rabbits.]]>2000pp: 311312AOAC,199517th Edn.,Ayuk, A.A., B.I. Okon, B. Umoh, E.I. Wogor and M.I. Anya,20092009pp: 362365Bedford, M.R.,20062006pp: 2527Butcher, C., J. Brynart, E. Owen, I. Leach and D.H. Machin,198336229236Carew, L.B., D. Hardy, J. Weis, E.I. Alsters, S.A. Mischler, A. Gernat and F.I. Zakrzewska,2003Mucuna pruriens) reverse some anti-nutritional effects on organs growth, blood chemistry and organ histology in growing chickens.]]>1267275Egena, S.S.A.,20062006pp: 153155Emenalom, O.O.,2004Mucuna pruriens seed meal.]]>311216Emiola, I.A., A.D. Ologhobo, J. Akinlade, O.S. Adedeji and O.M. Bamigbade,200361321Esonu, B.O., P.E. Iwu, C.C. Opera and A.M. Bamgbose,2000Caladium hortulanum) in broiler starter diet.]]>38589Ewing, W.R.,19954th Edn.,Ewuola, E.O., J.T. Ogunlade, F.A. Gbore, A.O. Salako, K. Idahor and G.N. Egbunike,20036111119Ikhimioya, I., A. Arijeniwa, I.T. Oteku and A. Ahmed,20002000pp: 1012Ezieshi, E.V. and J.M. Olomu,20043254257Jain, N.C.,19864th Edn.,Jones, R.,19841984Iyayi, E.A. and M.D. Losel,19991999Kumar, R.,20032003Longe, O.G.,20062006Marfo, E.R. and O.L. Oke, 19881988Michael, W.D.,20052005Mitruka, B.M. and H.M. Rawnsley, 1977pp:53-54pp:53-54Oakenfull, D.,198171940Oladele, S.B., J.O. Ayo, K.A.N. Esievo and S.O. Ogundipe,200118488Olajide, R., A.O. Akinsoyinu, K.D. Afolabi, A.O. Owosibo, P.O. Fakolade and S.B. Akinleye,20092009pp: 202205Olajide, R., A.O. Akinsoyinu, O.J. Babayemi, A.B. Omojola, A.O. Abu and K.D. Afolabi,2011Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) corm.]]>102934Olomu, J.M.,19763250257Olomu, J.M.,19951995Onifade, A.A. and O.O. Tewe,199311724Onyeyilli, P.A., C.L. Iwuoha and J.A. Akinniyi,1998Fiscus platyphylla blume in rats.]]>142730Panigrahi, S.,19961996pp: 416-428pp: 416-428Pauzenga, U.,19851985Potter, J.D., D.L. Toppin and D. Oakenfull,19791223227Preeti Hemant,20032003Ranjhan, S.K.,19802nd Edn.,SAS,1999® Users Guide: Statistics.]]>Version 9,Sonaiya, E.B.,1995822533Ahmad, T., S. Rasool, M. Sarwar, Ahsan-ul Haq and Zia-ul Hasan,2000Aspergillus niger on bioavailability of phosphorus and calcium in broiler chickens.]]>83103114Voss, K.A., R.D. Platner, C.W. Bacon and W.P. Norred,1990Fusarium moniliforme strain MRC 826 culture material.]]>1128192