USE OF AZOLLA PINATA IN THE RATIONING OF POULET DE FASO BROILERS IN BURKINA FASO: INFLUENCE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS, CUT PARTS AND ORGANS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth performance of chicken broilers Poulet du Faso fed rations incorporating Azzola pinata. Three growth-finishing diets were formulated and tested, including 02 experimental diets incorporating 5% (ED5) and 10% (ED10) azzola meal and a standard control without azzola (SCD). One hundred and five (105) chicks divided into batches of 35 chicks per diet were used for the experiment, which lasted 54 days (8 weeks). The results show that the growth rate of the chicks was significantly faster for ED5 and ED10 diets (p<0.05), comparable for all diets for the last 2 weeks, and overall average daily gain (p˃0.05). The average daily feed intake (ADFI) of ED5 and ED10 were homogeneous(p˃0.05) and significantly higher than that of the SCD ration(p<0.05) No significant difference in CI and FCPkgLW was noted between the 3 diets(p˃0.05).No significant differences in hot (RDTcc) and chilled (RDTcr) carcass yields and abdominal fat content (AFC) were observed between diets ED5, ED10 and SCD(p˃0.05). Among the organs and parts of the cut, only the average weight of the Thigh+Tail of diets SCD and ED5 were homogeneous(p˃0.05) and significantly higher than that of ED10(p<0.05). Incorporating Azolla meal into the diet had no adverse effect on chicken carcass characteristics. Azolla meal can be recommended for use as a source of vegetable protein in chicken rations, particularly for purebred mixed breeds.