Biological and Economic Efficiency of Partial Dietary Substitution of Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i>) Meal with Cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>) Meal in Broiler Production

This manuscript explores the biological and economic efficiency of partial dietary substitution soybean (Glycine max) meal with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in broiler production. As a result shortage Zimbabwe due to droughts, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, high input costs, price controls, authors identified an alternative its availability similar amino acid profile meal. The experiment was carried out at Cold Storage Company Kadoma. A total 150 unsexed day-old chicks (Cobb 500) were used. All birds brooded one pen during first two weeks age fed standard starter mash from National Foods PVT LTD for adaptation. randomly allocated into five equal groups, each three replicates 10 per replicate age. Five experimental diets: T1 (100% + 0% cowpeas meal), T2 (75% 25% T3 (50% 50% T4 (25% 75% meal) T5 (0% 100% formulated be iso-caloric iso-nitrogenous meet nutrient requirements broilers according NRC (2001). Ration formulation using maize, as ingredients (21% Crude Protein) finisher (19% done Pearson Square Method. Feed intake (g) weight gain recorded weekly. Conversion Ratio (FCR) bioeconomic calculated lasted weeks. results showed that Dry Matter Intake Treatment 1 highest (3285 g), Intakes Treatments 2, 3 4 (3284 g, 3284 g g) not significantly different (P > 0.05) 5 lowest (3282 g). Weight gains 2 (2089 2089 0.05), (2098 2103 had 1990 g. (1.572 1.572) (1.565 1.562) FCR (1.64). < 1, 3, (42.16, 41.93, 41.46, 41.13 42.66, respectively). Based on analyses results, concluded prepared boiled grain can used replace diets inclusion, respectively. study is unique interesting suitable acceptance this journal because it seeks provide feeds ever-growing industry rest world.