Sunflower kernels and seeds in the diet of broiler chickens

Abstract

The study of the use of compound feed with shelled and unshelled sunflower seeds in the rearing of broiler chickens is of scientific and practical interest. The purpose of the research was to assess the influence of the inclusion of sunflower kernels and seeds in compound feed on the productivity of broiler chickens. In accordance with the set purpose and objectives of the research the experiment has been carried out on broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross from the daily age to the 35-day age under the conditions of the LLC “Morozovskaya Poultry Farm”. For the experiment, 5 groups of broiler chickens with 100 heads in each have been formed. The planting density, light and temperature conditions corresponded to the recommendations for growing broilers of this cross. The broilers of the control group have been received the main diet, and the poultry of the experimental groups have been received compound feed with kernels (5,0–7,5 %) and seeds (5,0–7,5 % + the enzyme drug Ronozyme VP 250 g/t) of sunflower. The results of studies on the inclusion of sunflower kernels and seeds in the diets of broiler chickens have been presented in the article. Data on zootechnical indicators of rearing, results of slaughter and anatomical cutting of carcasses, as well as economic indicators of meat production have been presented. The livability of broiler chickens both in the control and in the experimental groups was at a high level and did not depend on the inclusion of the tested ingredients in the compound feed. It has been found that the inclusion of both 5–7,5 % of sunflower kernels and 5–7,5 % of sunflower seeds with husk in the diet of broiler chickens in combination with the enzyme preparation Ronozyme (250 g/t) contributes to increasing the productivity of poultry, reducing the cost of compound feed, which allows increasing the level of profitability of meat production by 1,9–3,2 %.