Nutritional quality and factors affecting production of commercial poultry feeds in Dar es Salaam
Laswai, G.H.;|H. Sentozi / 1999

A study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional quality and factors effecting production of quality commercial poultry feeds in Dar es Salaam city. Five different types of poultry feeds were sample using spot sampling method in nine out of 18 feed industries surveyed in Dar es Salaam. The feed types were layers, breeders, broilers, growers and chick starter mashes. Values of proximate analysis, calcium and phosphorus contents were determined and metabolisable energy predicted on the samples and compares with the recommended standards. Information o the factors affecting production and quality of feeds were obtained from the industry officials and personnel observations. All breeder sash samples exhibited lower energy content but sufficient crude protein when compared with the recommended values. Layers feed sample form industry 1 had the lowest crude protein (13.1% DM) whereas that from 1 had highest crude fibre (13.5% DM) content. More than 60 percent of the broiler feed samples were deficient in calcium, with average of 1.2 and 1.0% DM, respectively. All feed samples analysed had higher levels of ether extract and ash contents than the recommended standards. Inadequate supply of good quality control was among the major factors affecting production and quality of poultry feeds in Dar es Salaam. The study concluded that all the feeds sampled in Dar es Salaam have unbalanced nutrients and may adversely affect the performance of birds. Further studies were recommended o continuous assessment of the feeds, including essential amino acids, vitamins, safety and hygiene conditions.