Sogunle et al., 2009. Arch. Zootec., 58 (221): 23-31

The performance and blood constituents of growing pullets fed cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peel meal (CPM) diet supplemented with cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale Linn) reject meal (CNM) were studied for 13 weeks using four hundred and thirtytwo 9 weeks old Yaafa Brown pullet chicks. The birds were maintained on a grower diet consisting of 3 levels of CPM (0, 10 and 20%) each supplemented with 4 levels of CNM (0, 10, 20 and 30%) in a 3 x 4 factorial experimental layout. The highest weight gain of 7.96 g/bird/day was obtained in diet 3 (0% CPM and 20%CNM) while the highest feed intake of 107.29 g/bird/day and cost of 1 kg feed of $0.31 were obtained in diet 12 (20% CPM and 30% CNM). CPM inclusion in the diets significantly (p<0.05) influenced the haemoglobin concentration and the serum total protein. The growing pullets performed poorly with increasing CPM in the diets but had an improved performance, as CNM was included. It was then concluded that the combination of 10% CPM and 30% CNM was appropriate for enhanced performance of growing pullets.