Effect of different vegetable protein sources on the performance and immunity of Vanaraja growing chicken

A study was conducted in growing chicks (n=72) from 2 to 14 weeks to see the effect of replacing costly protein i.e soybean meal (SBM) by other protein sources like groundnut cake (GNC) and sunflower cake (SFC) on their performance and immunity. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency during 2–14 weeks were significantly different in birds fed diets with different vegetable protein sources. The birds fed combination of SFC and GNC replacing 20% SBM protein exhibited higher body weight gain and they had significantly better feed efficiency compared to other groups. Highest feed consumption was recorded in chicks fed SFC as sole vegetable protein source. The expenditure on feed to gain for1 kg live weight was significantly lower on diet containing combination of SFC+GNC making it most economical diet. It is suggested that combination of GNC+SFC replacing 20% of SBM protein could exhibit better performance, immunity and economics of production in growing chicks.