EFFECTS OF DIETARY PURPLE MAIZE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, HEALTH STATUS, AND MEAT QUALITY OF ROSS 308 BROILER CHICKENS

Premise of Research: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating anthocyanin-rich purple maize into the diet of Ross 308 broiler chickens and to assess its potential as an alternative to conventional yellow maize. Methodology: A total of one hundred and fifty (150) one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to two groups of 75 birds each: a control group fed a yellow maize-based diet and an experimental group fed a diet containing purple maize. Zootechnical performance, health status, and the organoleptic quality of the meat were evaluated over a 35-day rearing period.