EFFECT OF YEAST AS WATER ADDITIVE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LITTER IN THE PRODUCTION STARTER BROILER

A total of 150 Anak broiler chicks were used to investigate effect of yeast in water on the litter management of broiler starters raised under the conventional deep litter system common in Nigeria. The study was laid out in a completely randomised design (CRD). Data were collected on the cost of yeast application on feed and water consumption, production and litter water and bacteria contents. Data collected were analysed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (2000). Results showed that yeast application improved daily feed intake, daily protein intake and daily water intake which were all significantly (P<0.05) different. Daily live weight gain, final and total live weight were also significantly (P<0.05) different as yeast application supported these indices. Feed consumption parameters were highest in the 2.0g yeast inclusion group while live weight parameters were best in the 0.5g yeast inclusion group. Litter water content and bacterial load were also highest in the 2.0g group.