This study seeks to investigate the growth performance, intestinal morphology, carcass
traits and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed with dry, wet and
fermented-wet feed. Three experimental diets were formulated in this study. Diet 1 was
dry mash feed. Diet 2 was wet mash feed in a 1:1.3 mix with water. Diet 3, was fermentedwet
mash feed in a 1:1.3 mix with water which was fermented for 24 h in sealed plastic
polythene bags prior to feeding. A total of 192 two-weeks-old broilers (Marshal strain)
were randomly assigned to the experimental diets in a completely randomized design
(CRD). Each treatment group was replicated four times with 16 birds per replicate. Each
dietary treatment was fed immediately to the birds after re-constitution. Fermentation of
the feed reduced (Po0.05) the pH from 6.61 to 4.37. Birds fed fermented-wet and wet
mash recorded higher (Po0.05) final live weight and weight gain. Feed intake and feed
conversion ratio were not affected (P40.05) by wet and fermented-wet fed birds
compared to the dry fed birds. Mortality was not affected by dietary treatment imposed.
Apparent organic matter digestibility was higher (Po0.05) in birds fed fermented-wet
feed when compared to birds fed with dry and wet feed. Intestinal villus morphology and
carcass measurement were not affected (P40.05) by the treatment imposed. However,
birds fed wet feed showed lower (Po0.05) gizzard weight when compared to birds fed
fermented-wet feed. Birds fed with fermented-wet mash recorded higher (Po0.05)
abdominal fat than those fed with dry mash. The results of this study indicated
fermented-wet feeding improved apparent organic matter digestibility with a resultant
improved growth performance of broiler chicken.
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