GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS QUALITY AND ORGAN CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKEN FED WITH RUMEN EPITHELIAL SCRAPPINGS MEAL

(RESM) AS REPLACEMENT FOR FISH MEAL By Alikwe,P.C.N1 and Dairo, F.A.S2 Department of Livestock Production Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 2 Department of Animal Production & Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria Corresponding author, Alikwe, P.C .N e-mail agricbiochem2011@gmail.com
1

ABSTRACT A 56-day feeding trial involving 105 day old Anak broilers was carried out in a completely randomized design to evaluate the performance, carcass yield and organ characteristics of broilers fed rumen epithelial scrapping meal (RESM) a by product of cattle rumen processing (that constitutes an environmental pollutant) within the abattoir. RESM was used to replace fish meal at 25, 50 75 and 100% in a pre-formulated control diet at the starter and finisher phases respectively to determine the growth performance, carcass and organ characteristics of the broiler chicken. The crude protein content of RESM was 53.000.35% , 2.330.01 crude fibre, 15.98 0.01 % ash and 3.46 kcal/g metabolizable energy. It rich in essential amino acids and have 0.87 % lysine and 1.36 % methionine. At the starter phase, average daily feed intake was not influenced by treatment (p<0.05). However, average daily weight gain were similar and significantly (p<0.05) higher for birds fed 75 and 100% replacement of fish meal by RESM (35.37 g and 34.30 g respectively) while the control group was lowest (30.00 g). Feed efficiency was similar and highest (p<0.05) for 100 % RESM (0.86) and 75 % RESM (0.84). The control

group recorded the lowest value (0.72). Protein efficiency ratio (PER) followed the same trend. During the finisher phase, average daily feed intake decreased (p<0.05) while average daily weight gain, feed efficiency and PER all significantly increased (p<0.05) as the level of RESM increased in the diets. The control group consumed 101.0 g of feed which is the lowest while 100 % RESM had the highest (114.78 g). Highest weight gain was recorded by birds fed the control group (49.18 g) while 100% RESM group had the lowest gain. The control group exhibited the best feed efficiency and PER (0.49 and 2.39 respectively) while 100 % RESM group recorded the lowest (0.29 and 1.43). For the 56 days of the trial, average daily feed intake was similar and significantly highest (p<0.05) for 25 and 100 % RESM group 76.87 g and 77.67 g respectively) and lowest for birds on the control diet (71.46 g). Values for the average daily weight gain feed efficiency and PER were all similar for the control group and 25 % replacement of fish meal by RESM. The feed intake values are 39.59 g (0% RESM), 38.13 g (25% RESM); feed efficiency 0.55 (0%RESM), 0.50 (25% RESM); and PER 2.68 (0% RESM), 2.42 (25% RESM). In all 100% RESM replacement for fish meal had the lowest values. The carcass yield values were similar and significantly higher (p<0.05) for birds on the control diets, 25 and 50% replacement of fish meal by RESM. All other cut parts and internal organs were not affected by the treatment (p<0.05). Rumen epithelial scrapings in this study optimally replaced fish meal at 50% level for good growth performance and carcass yield and can be recommended for use in broiler diet. Key words: Growth, epithelial scrapings, carcass, organs, broilers

INTRODUCTION Feed represents the largest single item of cost in intensive poultry production with a consequential decreased intake of animal protein among low income earners in Nigeria. Poultry products offer considerable potentials to bridge the animal protein intake gap because of its short generation interval and absence of taboos to production and consumption when compared to other species of livestock. The use of non conventional feed resources which are mainly agro industrial by products have been reported by many workers (Khatun et al, 2003; Ojewola and Annah, 2006; Owen, et al, 2009). Alternatives to fish meal in broiler diet have been reported such as maggot meal (Akpodiete et.al., 1997), shrimp waste meal (Fanimo et. al., 1998), silkworm meal (Khatun et. al., 2003), poultry offal meal (Ojewola and Udom, 2005) and grasshopper meal (Ojewola and Annah, 2006). This study in the continuous search for noncompetitive by product of veritable animal protein source investigated the rumen epithelial scrapping meal (RESM). Rumen epithelial scrapping was obtained from the bovine rumen after slaughtering in the abattoirs. There is dearth of information on its use in monogastric livestock feeding as a source of animal protein has also not been fully exploited. Therefore this study evaluated the performance, carcass quality and organ characteristics of broiler finisher chicken fed with diets containing RESM as replacement for fish meal. MATERIALS AND METHODS Collection of test ingredient, processing and preparation of experimental diets Rumen epithelial scrapping was collected at the Bodija abattoir at Ibadan during rumen offal processing. The bovine bowels were removed and scrapped with knives following the traditional technique in the abattoirs. They were collected, pressed and sun dried for about 8 hr daily for 4 days until they become crispy to touch. The sun-dried scrapping was milled in a hammer mill

and sieved and later incorporated into the experimental diets. The test ingredient RESM was used to replace fish meal at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in a pre-formulated control diet. They were designated as T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively while the control diet was designated T1 (Table 2). All diets were also supplemented with feed grade methionine and lysine. Experimental design and animal management A total of 105 day-old broiler chicks of the Anak heavy strain were purchased from Zartech Hatchery, a division of Zartech Farms Limited, Ibadan, Oyo-State. All the chicks were electrically brooded on deep litter floor at the University of Ibadan Teaching and Research Farm, Ibadan, Nigeria located at latitude 7 25' north and longitude 3 54' east of the equator. They were fed ad libitum prior to the experiment with commercial broiler starter ration containing 22.5% crude protein and 11.89 MJ/Kg for the first 3 days after arrival from the hatchery. Antistress was administered in water for seven days at the beginning of the trial. Fresh clean and cool water was also subsequently given throughout the feeding trial. The chicks were vaccinated against Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease and fowl pox while sulphanamide drug was given in water against coccidiosis. The experimental birds were divided into five treatment groups of 21 birds per group. Each treatment group was further replicated three times consisting of 7 birds per replicate. The groups were then randomly allotted to the 5 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). Experimental feed and water were offered ad libitum for 56 days while the trial lasted. Data collection During the feeding trial, data on feed intake, weight gain, live weight, and mortality were recorded weekly basis. Secondary data such as feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were calculated. On the 57th day of the trial, 2 birds (1 male and 1 female) per replicate group were

randomly selected for carcass and organ weight evaluation after fasting them over night but with supply of water. The birds were weighed, slaughtered by severing the jugular vein and allowed to bleed thoroughly according to the method recommended by Odunsi et. al.,(1999). Birds were scalded at 75C in a water bath for about 30 seconds before de-feathering after which they were weighed again. Feather weight was obtained by difference. The dressed chickens were later eviscerated. The wings were removed by cutting anteriorly severing at the humeo-scapular joint, the cuts were made through the rib head to the shoulder girdle and the back was removed intact by pulling anteriorly. Thighs and drum stick were dissected from each carcass and weighed separately. The measurement of the carcass traits (dressed weight %, eviscerated weight %, thigh, drumstick, shank, chest, back, neck, wing, belly fat and head) were taken before dissecting out the organs. All the carcass traits except the dressed and eviscerated weight were expressed as percentages of the live weight while the organs were expressed in g/kg body weight.

Chemical analysis The proximate composition of the test ingredient and the experimental diets were determined as described by AOAC (2005) (Table 1a) before incorporating them into the experimental diets. Gross energy was determined using a Gallenkamp bomb calorimeter and the Metabolizable energy was calculated according to Pauzenga (1985) while both essential and non-essential amino acids were determined using amino acid analyzer model 80-2107-07 Auto Loader. The formulated diets were also analyzed by the same procedures to determine their chemical composition. The chemical composition of the RES meal and the amino acid content is presented in Table 1a and 1b.

Statistical analysis Data collected were subjected to the analysis of variance as described by Steel and Torrie (1980) to determine the significant variation in the various parameters analyzed while the means were separated by the Duncan's Multiple Range Test (Duncan,1955). Table1a. Proximate composition and gross energy of rumen epithelial scrapping (%) Parameters Dry matter Crude protein
Ether extract Ash Crude fibre Nitrogen Free Extract Gross energy (Kcal/g)

Fish meal(Anchovy)* 94.30

66.10 5.20 22.30 0.70 -

Rumen Epithelial Scrapping 89.520.01

53.000.35 5.080.02 15.980.01 2.330.01 13.130.34 4.090.01

Metabolizable energy (kcal/g)

2.75

3.46

*Olomu, 2011

Table 1b. Percentage Amino acid content of rumen epithelial scrapping Lysine 0.870.02 Methionine Threonine Aspartic acid Glutamine Serine Tyrosine Cysteine Histidine Leucine Tryptophan Alanine Glycine Arginine Valine Proline Phenylalanine 1.360.01 28.470.04 7.540.01 10.520.02 3.280.01 25.510.03 3.500.01 24.340.01 7.890.03 3.030.02 0.520.02 4.380.02 1.670.03 23.810.04 0.580.00 25.530.01

Table 2. Composition of experimental diets (%) STARTER DIET % replacement of fish meal by RESM 0 25 Ingredients T1 T2 Maize 55.00 55.00 Full fat 23.00 23.00 soya Fish meal 5.70 4.27 *RESM 0.00 1.43 Blood meal 4.50 4.50 Maize offal 5.00 5.00 Bone meal 3.00 3.00 Oyster 1.50 1.50 shell Salt 0.70 0.70 **Premix 1.00 1.00 Methionine 0.30 0.30 Lysine 0.30 0.30 Total 100.00 100.00 Determined analysis (%) Dry matter 92.80 92.75 Crude 22.09 21.82 protein 50 T3 55.00 23.00 2.85 2.85 4.50 5.00 3.00 1.50 0.70 1.00 0.30 0.30 100.00 91.70 21.05 75 T4 55.00 23.00 1.42 4.28 4.50 5.00 3.00 1.50 0.70 1.00 0.30 0.30 100.00 92.61 21.29 100 T5 55.00 23.00 0.00 5.70 4.50 5.00 3.00 1.50 0.70 1.00 0.30 0.30 100.00 91.73 21.01

FINISHER DIET

% replacement of fish meal by RESM 0 T1 56.00 24.00 4.50 0.00 3.00 5.20 3.20 1.50 0.30 0.30 1.00 1.00 100.00 92.80 20.41 25 T2 56.00 24.00 3.37 1.13 3.00 5.20 3.20 1.50 0.30 0.30 1.00 1.00 100.00 92.75 19.62 50 T3 56.00 24.00 2.25 2.25 3.00 5.20 3.20 1.50 0.30 0.30 1.00 1.00 100.00 91.70 19.93 75 T4 56.00 24.00 1.12 3.38 3.00 5.20 3.20 1.50 0.30 0.30 1.00 1.00 100.00 92.61 19.76 100 T5 56.00 24.00 0.00 4.50 3.00 5.20 3.20 1.50 0.30 0.30 1.00 1.00 100.00 91.73 19.57

Ether 3.55 3.43 3.63 3.75 3.34 3.55 3.43 3.63 3.75 extract Crude fibre 4.97 4.99 4.71 4.89 4.87 4.97 4.99 4.71 4.89 Ash 7.14 6.71 6.37 6.81 7.21 7.14 6.71 6.37 6.81 NFE 53.90 54.75 58.42 55.93 55.25 53.90 54.75 58.42 55.93 ME (Calcu 3.07 3.07 3.17 3.08 3.01 3.07 3.07 3.17 3.08 lated) Kcal/g *RESM; Rumen Epithelial Scrapping Meal **Vitamin/mineral premix provided the following vitamin and minerals per kg of diet:A, 10,000 I.U.; D3, 300 I.U.; E. 8.0 I.U.; K, 2.0mg; B1, 2.0mg; B6, 1.2mg; B12, 0.12mg; Nianin 1.0mg; Panthothenic acid, 7.0mg; Folic acid, 0.6mg; Cholic, 500mg; C, 10.0mg; Fe, 60mg; Mn, 80mg; Mg, 100mg; Cu, 8.0mg; Zn, 50mg; Co, 0.45mg; I, 2.0mg and Se, 0.1mg.ANUPCO, Anglian Nutrition Products Company, England. Nitrogen Free Extract

3.34 4.87 7.21 55.25 3.01

Results and Discussion The results of proximate composition, gross energy and amino acids content are presented in Tables1a and b. The rumen epithelial scrappings meal (RESM) crude protein (CP) is 53.00 0.35% which is about 18.46% lower than the values obtained for fish meal of 65% CP. It is comparable in dry matter and higher in metabolizable energy value. Crude protein values of animal protein sources have been documented to vary and it is responsible for 75% of proteinnitrogen of most feedstuff (Olomu, 2011). The amino acid composition of RESM in Table 1b shows that it is low in lysine (0.870.02 %) and just fairly rich in methionine (1.360.01%) when compared to hens egg, cows milk, fish meal and larvae meal (Eka, 1987; Orr et.al, 1966, Oluokun, 2000) hence its use in animal feeding could be complemented with blood meal. It is high in essential amino acids such as threonine (28.47%), tyrosine (25.51%) phenylalanine (25.53%) and valine (23.81%). It is equally rich in the sulphur hydroxyl imino, aromatic, acidic and basic amino acid. The ash (mineral) content is high (15.980.01%) and compared

favourably with that of fish meal (Olomu, 2011).This may be as a result of the traditional roadside or transhumance forage grazing of the bovine the leaves of which are often coated with dust or sand. The ME of RESM was calculated to be 3.46 kcal/g (Pauzenga,1985) which is higher than that of Menhaden fish meal given as 2.75kcal/g (Olomu, 2011)

Table 3: Comparing recommended FAO/WHO essential amino acid provisional pattern with rumen epithelial scrappings meal

Amino acid (mg/g) Lysine Methionine Threonine Leucine Valine Arginine Phenylalanine Histidine Tryptophan Source (b): Betschart et. al., (1975)

RESM 0.87 1.36 28.47 7.89 23.81 1.67 25.43 24.34 3.03

FAO/WHO (b)

2.20 2.60 4.80 4.20 2.00 2.80 2.40 1.40

Performance of broiler chicken at the starter phase (0 28 days) Table 4 presents the results for the performance of the broiler at the starter phase. The average daily feed intake of the broiler starter chickens were not affected by the inclusion of RESM in their diets (Table 5). However, the daily weight gain of birds fed with 75% and 100% replacement of fish meal were similar (35.37 g and 34.30 g respectively) and significantly higher (p<0.05) than values obtained for other treatments. Birds on the control group recorded the lowest daily gain (30.00 g) at the starter phase. This may be due to presence of the essential amino acids which is in abundance and above the FAO/WHO recommended values in RESM (Table 3). Its predominant use at 100 % and 75% could be responsible for adequate utilization of the nutrients by birds fed these diets. The high level of methionine (1.36%) may have facilitated

growth of birds on 75 and 100% RESM. In addition the complimentary effect of RESM and fish meal in the 75% inclusion treatment attest to the fact that it can be used improve broiler chicken quality where there is inadequate supply of fish meal or other high quality animal protein source. The live weight gain, feed efficiency and the protein efficiency ratio follow the same trend as obtained for the daily weight gain. Table 4. Performance characteristics of broiler starter chicks fed rumen epithelial scrapping meal as replacement for fish meal (0-28 days) 0 Parameters T1 Average initial live weight (g/bird) 84.35 T2 84.40 T3 84.80 T4 84.80 T5 84.50 SEM 4.22 % replacement of fish meal by RESM 25 50 75 100

Average final live weight gain 924.35 c 963.00 b 942.62 c 1075.04a 1044.95a 31.09 (g/bird) Average daily weight gain ( g/bird/day} Total feed intake (g/bird) Total feed intake ( g/bird/day) Feed efficiency Protein efficiency ratio (PER) 0.95 b 3.07 b 1.01b 3.34 b 0.98b 3.39 b 1.11a 3.93 a 1.14a 4.07 a 0.65 1174.05 1181.05 1183.35 1194.05 41.93 42.18 42.26 42.64 1135.70 40.56 6.55 0.21 30.00c 31.38b 30.64c 35.37a 34.30a 0.29

abc: Means on the same row with any identical superscript are not significant (P>0.05

Performance of broiler chickens at the finisher phase (5- 8 weeks) The average daily feed intake significantly increased (p<0.05%) as the RESM dietary inclusion increased (Table 5) while the daily weight gain decreased. The control group had the lowest feed intake (101.00 g) and highest daily gain (49.18 g), while broilers fed 100 % RESM recorded 114.78 g and 32.14 g for these parameters. The feed intake for birds where RESM replaced fish meal at 25, 50 and 75% dietary levels respectively were similar. During this phase, RESM was not particularly well utilized. With adequate protein and calorie in the diets, a departure from the observation in the starter phase appears inexplicable except that the crispy nature of RESM may have to a reasonable extent influence the utilization of the experimental diets (Sol-Oriol et.al., 2009). The feed efficiency and the PER followed the same trend as the feed intake and daily gain.

Table 5 Performance characteristics of broiler finishers fed rumen epithelial scrappings meal as replacement for fish meal (5 8 weeks)

Parameters 0

% replacement 25 3104.95

of fish 50 3039.05

meal by 75

RESM 100 3213.7 SEM

2828.04 Average total feed intake (g/bird)

c Average 101.00 feed intake (g/bird/day)

2998.75

110.89

108.54

107.09

114.78

6.24

Average 924.35 c initial live weight (g/bird)

a Average 2301.39 final live weight (g/bird) Average 49.18a total weight gain (g/bird/day)

963.00 b

942.62 c

1075.04a

1044.95a

31.09

2200.04

2090.34

2004.92

1944.87

110.45

44.18b

40.99b

33.21d

32.14d

5.44

Feed efficiency PER

0.49a 2.39a

0.40b 2.03b

0.39b 1.90b

0.30c 1.57 c

0.29c 1.43 c

0.01 0.14

Performance of broiler chickens at the finisher phase (0- 8 weeks) The total and daily feed intake increased significantly (p<0.05) as RESM increased in the diets. Broilers fed 100 % replacement of fish meal with RESM had 77.67 g daily intake while the

control group recorded the lowest (71.46 g). The control group birds recorded the highest (p<0.05) final live weight (2301. 39 g) which decreased as RESM increased in the diets. 100 % RESM recorded the lowest (1944.87 g). Average daily gain, feed efficiency and PER followed same trend. Rumen epithelial scrappings has been documented to contain soluble protein of a value (i.e the water soluble fraction of the protein) of about 71% and b value of 1.49 % - the insoluble fraction while fish meal has lower a values and higher b values (Isah and Babayemi, 2010). The soluble fraction of the protein has been documented to impair adequate digestion and utilization in ruminants a property conferred on RESM by its crispy nature after drying (Meyer, 2009; Isah and Babayemi, 2010). It implies that its appropriate digestion and utilization in monogastrates may be impaired thereby having the nature of the non starch polysaccharides. The insoluble fraction are more digestible hence it explains the better utilization of the control diets and those in which RESM was complimented with fish meal i.e 25%, 50% and 75% replacement of fish meal. Further investigations in this regards will help to unravel this characteristics with a view to properly classify this emerging cheap animal protein source.

Table 6 Performance characteristics of broiler fed Rumen epithelial scrappings meal as replacement for fish meal (0 8 weeks)

Parameters 0

% replacement 25

of fish 50

meal by 75

RESM 100 SEM 8.42

Average 4001.95d total feed intake (g/bird)

c Average 71.46 feed intake (g/bird/day)

4062.00c

4222.40b

4304.80a

4309.40a

72.54

75.40

76.87

77.67

1.57

Average 84.35 initial live weight (g/bird)

a Average 2301.39 final live weight (g/bird) Average 39.59 a total weight gain (g/bird/day)

84.40

84.80

84.80

84.50

2200.04

2090.34

2004.92

1944.87

110.45

38.13 a

36.02 b

34.39 b

33.49c

1.48

Feed efficiency PER

0.55a 2.68a

0.50a 2.42a

0.48b 2.33b

0.46c 2.25 c

0.43c 2.13 c

0.07 0.08

Carcass and organ quality The dressed weight, eviscerated weight and eviscerated percentage were all significantly affected by the replacement of fish meal by RESM (Table 7). The eviscerated values were similar for birds on the control group (1.56 kg), 25 (1.65 kg) and 50% (1.58 kg) replacement of fish meal

by RESM while it is 1.92 kg, 1.77 kg and 1.70 kg respectively and correspondingly for the dressed weight values. All the other cut parts and internal organs were not affected (p>0.05). Table 7 Carcass and organs characteristics of broiler chickens fed rumen epithelial scrapping meal (RESM) as replacement for fish meal(0-8 weeks) Parameters Live weight (kg) T1
2301.39
a

T2
2200.04
a

T3
2090.34
b

T4
2004.92
b

T5
1944.87
c

SEM
110.45

Eviscerated weight (kg) 1.56 a Dressing % Dressed weight (kg) 1.92 a Eviscerated % Liver Heart Gizzard Lung Wing Head Drum stick Back Thigh Breast 67.88 b 1.86 1.04a 2.03 0.69 10.33 2.73 20.69 15.87 12.55 20.08 83.50

1.65 a 80.62 1.77 a 74.81 a 2.10 0.76 3.23 0.72 10.65 3.07 20.69 20.17 13.03 30.03

1.58 a 81.38 1.70 a 75.81 a 2.18 0.61 2.22 0.56 11.46 2.52 26.54 17.18 14.13 29.99

1.34 c 81.87 1.64 b 69.62 b 1.76 0.47 3.20 0.55 11.50 2.78 28.48 15.75 15.00 29.40

1.26 c 84.41 1.64 b 65.45 c 1.59 0.56 2.19 0.49 9.97 2.11 24.51 16.17 11.56 29.80

0.14 1.83

abcd: means on the same row with any identical superscript are not significant (P>0.5)

Conclusions and Recommendations Rumen epithelial scrappings a by product of bovine after slaughtering at the abattoir can optimally replace 50 % fish meal in broiler chicken diets both at the starter and finisher phases. Birds fed 100 % replacement of fish meal had comparative poor growth performance largely due to its lower protein value and apparent poor utilization as a result of its soluble protein content. It is therefore recommended that RESM could be used in broiler diets to replace fish meal at 50% level.

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