Effects of Processed Castor Oil Bean (ricinus Communis L) Meal and Supplementary Dl- Methionine on Nutrient Utilization by Broiler Chicks

The effects of processed castor oil bean (Ricinus communis L) meal (CBM) and supplementary DLmethionine on nutrient retention, carcass and organ weights of broiler chicks were investigated for five weeks. Two hundred and sixteen 7-day old broiler chicks (Anak strain) were randomly divided into 12 treatment groups of 18 birds each in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement involving four processed CBM levels (0,10,15 and 20%) and three DL – methionine levels (0, 0.25 and 0.5%). During week 5 of the experiment, the apparent retention of the proximate components and the organs weights of birds were evaluated. Results showed that chicks on treatments 10-12 had lower (P<0.05) retention of DM, nitrogen, EE and NFE and lower (P<0.05) body weight, liver, kidney, spleen, heart and empty gizzard weights than birds on other treatments. Result showed that 10% and15% processed CBM can be included in the diet of broiler chicks without and with DL-methionine supplementation, respectively to enhance nutrient retention and for normal organ development of broiler chicks.