Effect of Dietary Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Seeds on the Performance of Broiler Chicks
Abdelgani A. A., K. A . Abdel Atti, K .M. Elamin, K. Y . Dafalla, H .E. E. Malik and B. M. Dousa
Date : 2013-08-05 Volume : 5

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary levels of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on broiler chick’s performance. A total of one hunedred and twenty-eight unsexed, one day old broiler chicks (Hubbard) were used. The birds were randomly divided into four equal groups (32 birds each) in four replicates (8 birds/ replicate) in a completely randomized design. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets: A, B, C and D, Diet A contained 0% ( control), diet B 5%, diet C 10% and diet D 15% cowpea. Data were collected on weekly feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). At The end of the experimental period (7weeks), 4birds/replicate was randomly selected weighted and slaughtered. The carcass weight and dressing percentage were calculated. The results showed that inclusion levels of cowpea had no significant (p>0.05) effect on weight gain, feed intake and FCR of broiler chicks. The result showed that the profit return was similar in control and the diet contained 5%cowpea. 1367690653.php