RELATIVE EFFICACY OF ALKALI TREATMENT AND UREA AMMONIATION OF NEEM (AZADIRACHTA-INDICA) SEED KERNEL-CAKE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS

To compare the relative efficacy of alkali treated (ANSKC) and urea am moniated (UANSKC) neem (Azadirachta indica) seed kernel-cake (NSKC) fo r replacing 50% nitrogen of deoiled groundnut-cake (GNC-N) in broiler diets. An experiment was undertaken for 42 days with 3-day-old broiler chicks (60) of uniform body weight by allotting them at random in equ al numbers to a reference (GNC-N, 100%) and 2 test diets containing ei ther 2% alkali (NaOH) processed or 2.5% urea ammoniated NSKC. The aver age daily weight gain and efficiencies of feed and nutrient utilizatio n in chicks fed test diets were comparable to those on reference diet. The coefficient retentions of various nutrients were similar, except ether extract (EE), where only the chicks on UANSKC diet could retain EE similar to GNC fed chicks. All chicks were on positive N-2, Ca and P balance. Though experimental chicks retained N-2, Ca and gross energ y similar to those fed reference diet, the retention of P by UANSKC fe d chicks was highest. Dietary variation did not significantly influenc e blood haemoglobin, total erythrocyte anal leukocyte count, serum alk aline phosphatase, serum alanine and aspartate transaminases, but bloo d urea increased (P<0.05) in UANSKC fed chicks. Most of the carcass ch aracteristics on both the test diets were comparable to those on contr ol diet. Since urea ammoniation was cheaper (Rs 0.06/kg) than alkali t reatment (Rs 0.30/kg). Based on both performance and economics; it can be suggested that 2.5% UANSKC may replace 50% N moiety of scarce and costly GNC in broiler chick diets for sparing the same for human consu mption in developing countries.