On-farm evaluation of cassava and sweet potato as dietary energy sources in broiler finisher diets under highland conditions in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The rising cost of grain-based poultry feed highlights the need for alternative energy sources in broiler nutrition. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) are common tropical staples and offer energy-dense, starch-rich options for partially replacing conventional grains. This study evaluated two finisher diets: one incorporating 57% cassava with a universal protein concentrate (UC+Cas), and another using 25% sweetpotato with a low-energy broiler (protein) concentrate (LEBC+SP), compared against a commercial grain-based diet. 364 mixed-sex Ross 308 broilers were assigned to the dietary treatments from 21 to 42 days of age across seven broiler farms. Birds were housed in floor-pens within naturally ventilated, locally constructed sheds. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in broiler growth parameters (feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, final body weight) between the feed treatments. Compared to the control, grain-based ration, UC+Cas was 14% cheaper and LEBC+SP was 24% cheaper. These findings indicate that cassava and sweetpotato can be effectively used as energy sources in broiler finisher diets in the Papua New Guinea highlands without compromising growth performance. However, for optimal utilisation of cassava or sweetpotato, future research and development efforts should focus on processing and storage costs of any feed used.