THE EFFECTS OF BIO- LYSINE FORMULATED DIETS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER AGED 5 TO 8 WEEKS

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the efficacy of bio-lysine as a complete replacement for synthetic lysine in finisher diets for Cobb 500 broilers (5-8 weeks). Forty birds were randomly distributed into two dietary treatments: a control (T1) with 0.25% L-lysine HCl and a test diet (T2) with 0.25% bio-lysine, each with four replicates of five birds. Over the four-week trial period, the birds had access to feed and water ad libitum. Parameters measured included growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), nutrient efficiency, and apparent nutrient digestibility. Data were analyzed using an independent-samples t-test. Results revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in final body weight, daily feed intake, or FCR between treatments. However, broilers fed the bio-lysine diet exhibited numerically superior final body weight (2488.4 g vs. 2455.6 g) and a improved FCR (2.04 vs. 2.12). Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract also showed consistent numerical improvements with bio-lysine. Mortality was identical (5%) across groups. It is concluded that bio-lysine can effectively replace synthetic lysine in broiler finisher diets without compromising growth performance or health. The use of locally producible bio-lysine presents a sustainable strategy to reduce dependency on imported amino acids, potentially lowering production costs for the poultry industry in Nigeria. Further research into its effects on carcass quality and economic viability is recommended.