Impact of Partially Replacing Corn with Ground Pea (Vigna subterranea) on Broiler Chicken Performance and Profitability

Hacynicolas Finoana Arizo RANDRIAMANDRATONDRAKOTONIRINA, Jean de Neupomuscene RAKOTOZANDRINY

Abstract: Rising feed costs pose a challenge to poultry farming, prompting exploration of affordable alternatives like ground pea (Vigna subterranea) to replace corn. This study assessed the effects of substituting corn with 10% and 20% ground pea in the diets of 45 Arbor Acres broiler chicks, compared to a corn-only control. Over 35 days, we measured live weight, daily gain, feed conversion, and consumption, finding significant improvements (p<0,0001) with ground pea diets. Feed intake dropped as ground pea levels rose, while a 20% substitution cut production costs by 13, 31%. These results suggest that partial corn replacement with ground peas enhances both zootechnical performance and farm profitability, offering a practical solution for broiler production in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Broiler, substitution, ground peas, Madagascar, profitability