Sargassum Muticum as Feed Substitute for Broiler

Marine macroalgae are the potential renewable resource on the marine environment which has been reported to afford several beneficial effects. Chemical and nutritional composition of seaweeds varies with individuals, species, habitat, and maturity, and depends on geographical origin or area of cultivation, seasonal, environmental, and physiological variations and water temperature. The study was conducted to determine the effect of Sargassum muticum as feed substitute on the growth performance of broilers. A total of 60 broiler chicks were used in the study, randomly distributed into four treatments with three replications using the Randomized Complete Block Design. The study was conducted from November 8 to December 16, 2014, with a duration of 39 days. Results of the study show that the birds fed with Sargassum muticum have performed better in all growth parameters as compared to those fed with pure commercial feeds. The use of Sargassum muticum has improved the final weight, gain in weight, and feed consumption of the birds. Sargassum muticum is best used as a feed substitute for broiler up to 10% with increased profitability.

Keywords: Feed substitute, Sargassum muticum