Effect of corn cobs biochar as litter on performance of broiler in northern Benin

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effect of biochar from corn cobs on the performance of chickens. For this study, 201 broiler chicks from the Cobb 500 strain were divided into three batches of 67 chicks laid each on litter consisted of (i) 100% corn cobs (Rafle); (ii) 100% corn cobs biochar (Biochar) and (iii) 50% corn cobs plus 50% Biochar designated (Mixte). The performance parameters including live weight, feed consumption, feed consumption index, morbidity and mortality were monitored and the weight of some organs was measured. The result indicated a significant improvement in feed intake and average daily gain in the Biochar treatment compared to the ‘Rafle’ batch only during the growth phase. Chickens from the Biochar and ‘Rafle’ treatment had heavier legs and gizzards than those from the ‘Mixte’ litter. The use of biochar litter therefore gave the best performances. Economic and environmental analyzes are necessary to promote the use of these biomass as bedding in poultry farming.

Keywords: bedding materials, biochar, corncobs, Cobb 500, production, Benin