Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the nutrient contents and potential feeding value in the diet of broiler chicks of the seed of three tree species, mesquite (Prosopis laevigata), Schaffneri´s wattle (Acacia schaffneri) and the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua). The dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), amino acid and fatty acid concentrations of the seeds were determined. Growth performance was measured in terms of weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Sixty-four day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the following treatments: control diet; control + P. laevigata; control + A. schaffneri and control + C. siliqua. The diets were formulated to contain 200 - 210 g CP/kg and 13.39 MJ ME/kg, with approximately 60 g CP/kg diet originating from the respective seeds. Prosopis laevigata contained the highest protein level (394 g/kg DM), followed by A. schaffneri (229 g/kg DM) and C. siliqua (183 g/kg DM). The concentration of linoleic acid in the fat was found to be the highest in all three species, followed by oleic acid. The methionine concentration in the seed of the three species was low compared with that in soybean meal. Weight gain and feed intake of the chicks were significantly higher in the control diet and there were no significant differences between P. laevigata and A. schaffneri. Chicks receiving C. siliqua had the lowest weight gain. Feed conversion ratio was the lowest in the control diet, with no significant differences between the P. laevigata and A. schaffneri treatments, while C. siliqua had the highest feed conversion ratio. It is concluded that the seeds of the two species, P. laevigata and A. schaffneri, could partially replace commercial feed ingredients as protein and energy sources in diets of poultry kept under subsistence farming conditions in rural areas of Mexico.Keywords: Wild seeds, mesquite, Schaffneri´s wattle, carob, small-scale poultry production, backyard
Highlights
Backyard poultry production or so-called small-scale poultry production in rural areas of Mexico is an important activity because poultry production presents a source of animal protein and economic income to the kinds of producers that have very low income and cannot afford to buy commercial feed or basic grains such as maize or sorghum for their animals (García et al, 2007; Segura et al, 2007)
Materials and Methods The experiment was approved by the Academic Committee of the Desert Zone Research Institute (DZRI) of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, according to the regulations established by the Animal Protection Law enacted by the State of San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Johnst.), Schaffneris wattle (A. schaffneri Underwood) and carob (C. siliqua L) trees were collected in the botanical gardens of the DZRI during the summer season (June‒July)
Summary
Backyard poultry production or so-called small-scale poultry production in rural areas of Mexico is an important activity because poultry production presents a source of animal protein and economic income to the kinds of producers that have very low income and cannot afford to buy commercial feed or basic grains such as maize or sorghum for their animals (García et al, 2007; Segura et al, 2007). In the arid and semiarid regions in Mexico some indigenous forest resources are found, such as mesquite (Prosopis laevigata (Willd.) M.C. Johnst.) and Schaffneris wattle (Acacia schaffneri; Underwood), and the carob (Ceratonia siliqua L), an introduced tree species. Johnst.) and Schaffneris wattle (Acacia schaffneri; Underwood), and the carob (Ceratonia siliqua L), an introduced tree species These species are of great importance in feeding animals, mainly small ruminants. The crude protein (CP) level of some species of Prosopis is high and can reach levels of up to 720 g/kg (Escobar et al, 1987; Freyre et al, 2003) It could be used as a protein source to improve poultry growth performance
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