Performance Characteristics of Broiler Birds Fed Lizard Meal as a Protein Alternative

A total number of two hundred- and twenty-five-day old broiler chicks of “Anak 2000” strain were used to determine the effect of partially and completely replacement of fishmeal (Fm) with lizard meal (Lm) in broiler birds. The goals were to assess the birds' growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and cost-benefit analysis from day one to eight weeks of age. The ultimate aim of broiler nutrition is to increase the production efficiency of the poultry. One week was carved out for the brooding of the birds after which they were randomly distributed into five treatment groups of forty-five birds, replicated three times with fifteen birds each per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The processed lizard meal was added to the diet at levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% for treatments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Throughout the investigation, feed and water were provided ad libitum. Proximate analysis of lizard meal and experimental diets were carried out in accordance with the established standard. The findings revealed that growth performance parameters differed significantly (P<0.05) across the treatment groups with treatment 4(75% Lm) possessing a superior (P<0.05) value of 2987.33g, 53.66g and 2.28 in terms of final body weight (FBW), average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), which was closely followed by birds in treatment 5 (100%) with 2870g, 51.23g and 2.40 for FBW, ADWG and FCR. In terms of nutrient digestibility, treatment 4 (81.24%, 63.82%, and 52.78%) had the highest values for dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract while having the lowest values for crude fibre (44.05%). Treatment 4 performed the best in terms of cost benefit analysis, with profit and cost benefit ratios of #1098.97 and 1.58, respectively. Thus, based on the overall findings of the current study, it can be concluded that replacement levels of 75% performed best, though replacement levels of 100% are feasible without a negative impact on performance or cost implications in the short and long run.