fermented UCRM with exogenous enzyme resulted in higher (P < 0.01) metabolizable energy values than the unfermented
UCRM (control sample). Previous studies have shown significantimprovements in energy metabolisability of feed ingredient
following enzyme supplementation (Adeola and Bedford, 2004; Meng and Slominski, 2005). Relatively reduced metabolizable
energy values obtained for birds fed unfermented UCRM without enzyme supplement could be attributed to the fibrous
content of UCRM since birds lack the endogenous enzymes to digest fibrous feedstuffs (Bedford and Classen, 1992). A
negative correlation existed between fibrous content and energy content of feedstuffs (Janssen and Carre, 1985). Fibrous
feedstuffs reduce energy metabolisabilty in poultry (Kratzer et al., 1967). It was concluded from this study that fermented
unpeeled cassava root meal supplemented or not with enzyme showed prospect for improved metabolizable energy values
for cockerels.