The performance of broiler chicks fed plant-protein-diets ( starter, grower,
finisher ) was compared to those fed diets supplemented with 5% meat and bone
meal, (67% protein). One hundred and sixty, one day old male Ross broilers, were
used. A total number of 80 chicks were allocated for each treatment, divided into four
replicates of 20 birds each, and housed in broiler cages .The experimental diets were
formulated to cover the chick requirements as recommended by the management
guide data ( Ross). The protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) of both dietary proteins were
almost of the same value. Also the essential amino acid make up (or pattern) of the
proteins of both sets of diets contained almost the same concentration and pattern
.Body weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization during the three growth periods of
chicks fed either plant-protein diets or those fed the animal protein supplemented
diets ,were almost of similar magnitude with no significant differences. The final body
weight of broilers fed plant-protein diets 'surpassed those of chicks fed the animal
protein supplemented diets . While, the over all feed efficiency showed better values
with chicks fed the animal protein supplemented diets, with no significant differences
compared to those fed plant - protein diets. Abdominal Fat Pads were significantly
lower in birds fed plant-protein diets .The cost of feed required to produce 1 kg live
weight gain was LE 1.59, for chicks fed plant-protein diets compared to LE 1.56 for
those fed animal-protein supplemented diets with a difference of 1.9% on the time of
experiment .The results of the present work encouraged CLFF to implement such
work on semi commercial production scale. A broiler house of 16000 broiler chicks
capacity per run, was used. Four runs were carried out during the period from Jan. up
till Nov.2003 and showed that mortality rate was below 5%, average live weight
ranged between 1650-1850 g ,with an efficiency of feed utilization ranging between
1.70-1.87 kg feed I kg live weight at 37 days of age (slaughter date) . The quality of
birds meat fed plant protein diet is better, less abdominal fat pad, more thickness of
breast tender and tasty.