Growth performances of broiler chickens fed on palm kernel meal based diet supplemented with spirulina and amino acids

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This study was assigned to assess the effect palm kernel meal as protein source in broiler chickens diet. The experimental rations consisted of replacing soybean meal by palm kernel meal at the rates of 50, 75 and 100 percent supplemented with lysine-methionine and spirulina and a control ration without palm kernel meal. The main results revealed that, all the growth parameters decreased with increasing rate of substitution of soybean meal with palm kernel meal. Compared to the control ration containing soybean meal as main protein source, feed conversion ratio increased by 25.97; 39.39 and 71.43 % with lysine-methionine mixture and by 40.34; 53.22 and 62.66% with spirulina in rations containing 50, 75 and 100 % palm kernel meal respectively. Carcass yield globally decreased, with the exception of carcass yields with 75% palm kernel meal supplemented with lysine-methionine that increased by 3.48 % compared to the control ration. The relative weight of the legs, head and digestive organs increased with increasing rate of palm kernel meal in feed regardless of the supplement. The lowest cost of production was recorded with spirulina compared to lysine-methionine regardless of the level of incorporation of palm kernel meal in feed. In conclusion, using large quantities of palm kernel meal even enriched with amino acids or proteins rich resources is not profitable to broiler chickens.