Evaluating the Potential of Triticale Grain Grown in Kenya as an Alternative Feed Ingredient in Broiler Diets in Raw or Thermal Treated (Pelleted) Form

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of triticale grain as an alternative feed ingredient in broiler diet. In this study, feeding trials of broilers were carried out over a period of six weeks to assess the optimal inclusion level of triticale grain in raw and pelleted form in broiler diet as a substitute for maize. The study also involved evaluation of effects of feeding thermal treated (pelleted) diet on performance of broilers. Ten triticale based diets were prepared and incorporated in five inclusion levels of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% in raw and pelleted form. The diets were assigned to the experimental units in a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The results of this study showed that inclusion of triticale in broiler diet in either raw or pelleted form significantly improved feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) (P 0.05). Thermal treatment of the triticale through pelleting reduced FI and BWG (P 0.05). Inclusion level improved FI, BWG and reduced PER significantly (P 0.05). There was positive interaction between pelleting and level of inclusion in BWG (P<0.05) at 30% inclusion level in raw form of triticale. The interaction was negative for the same in pelleted form. It can be concluded from the findings of this study that triticale grain may be used as an alternative feed ingredient in broiler diets in raw or pelleted form without causing any detrimental effect on the performance of the birds. Pelleted triticale based diet may not improve performance in broiler chicken.