PERFORMANCE OF BROILER-CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING DUCKWEED (LEMNA-GIBBA)

Titan broiler chickens kept in batteries at the Universidad Agraria, L ima, were fed diets containing duckweed (Lemna gibba) in proportions o f 0, 10, 15 and 25 %. The weight gain of broilers fed 15 % duckweed wa s similar to that of the controls; 25 % duckweed in the diet resulted in a significant decrease in feed consumption and weight gain. To dete rmine if Titan and Arbor Acres broiler chickens could be maintained on duckweed diets under commercial conditions, birds were fed diets cont aining 0 and 5 % duckweed. Female birds (Titan and Arbor Acres) fed di ets containing 5 % duckweed showed increased final weights. The pigmen tation of all birds receiving the diet containing duckweed was signifi cantly increased. Duckweed used at levels of up to 15 % in the diets o f broiler chickens could represent an important protein source for pou ltry feed in developing countries where soyabean meal or fish-meal are not available.