Performance of broilers fed graded levels of mango (Mangifera Indica) seed kernel during finisher phase

To find out the optimum level of inclusion of mango seed kernel (MSK) in the ration of broiler finishers (4–6 weeks of age), day old broiler chicks (n=144) were assigned to six dietary treatment groups having 12 birds in each group and fed standard broiler starter ration upto 3 weeks of age. The experimental diets (isocaloric and isonitrogenous) containing MSK at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 per cent levels replacing maize was fed from 4 to 6 weeks of age. Weight gain was similar to control when MSK was used in the diet upto 20 per cent replacing maize and significantly lowered (P<0.01) in 25 per cent MSK fed group. The retention of nutrients (crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, calcium and phosphorus) was low (P<0.01) in broilers fed diets containing higher (15% or more) levels of MSK. The feed cost per kg of weight gain increased linearly as the level of MSK increased in the diet. The blood parameters (serum proteins, uric acid, glucose & cholesterol), carcass characteristics (ready-to-cook yield, weights of liver, giblet, trimmable fat & skin) and organoleptic evaluation of meat did not show any significant variation among treatment groups. It can be inferred that inclusion of MSK upto 21 per cent level in the finisher ration per cent did not affect the performance of broiler finishers.