Evaluation of Copra Meal (CM) in Corn-Animal Protein Meal-Based Diets and Enzyme on Broiler Performance

Abstract

The effects of increasing CM level in corn-animal protein-based diets and enzyme supplementation in broilers was investigated in a 30-day experiment. A total of 168, one-week old Cobb broilers were assigned to 8 diets consisting of 2 controls (with and without enzyme) and 6 other diets with 15, 30 and 45% CM levels with and without enzyme in a completely randomized design. Results showed significant interactions effects on growth parameters, fat digestibility, White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) and Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFA) (P 0.05) but improved crude fibre and fat digestibility of broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 30% dietary CM inclusion is detrimental in terms of WG but has no effect on the fatty acid composition of broiler meat. More research into enzyme source and concentration above 30% CM is recommended.

Keywords

• feed ingredients
• diet composition
• poultry performance