Abstract
An experiment was conduced to evaluate the inclusion of sunflower meal (SBM) in commercial layer diets formulated on total or digestible amino acids basis. One hundred forty-four 41-week-old Lohmann LSL layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement with three replications of six birds each. Treatments consisted of a combination of four SBM inclusion levels SBM(0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%) and feed formulation according two amino acid recommendations (total or digestible). The experimental period was divided into five periods of fourteen days. Performance parameters (egg production, feed intake, feed conversion, egg mass) were evaluated for each period. In the last two days of each period, three eggs per replication were collected to evaluate egg quality (Haugh units, specific gravity, egg weight, eggshell thickness, and eggshell percentage). Hens fed on total amino acid recommendation presented the highest values for egg weight. Diets formulated on digestible amino acids basis showed an improvement in eggshell percentage and egg specific gravity. SBM addition in commercial layer diets did not influence performance; however, increasing SBM dietary levels SBM improved eggshell quality.
Highlights
Feed is the main cost of poultry production, and often accounts for 60-65% of total costs of commercial egg production
An experiment was conduced to evaluate the inclusion of sunflower meal (SBM) in commercial layer diets formulated on total or digestible amino acids basis
Egg weight of birds fed the diet formulated on digestible amino acid basis was lower than egg weight of birds fed the total amino acid diet (p
Summary
Feed is the main cost of poultry production, and often accounts for 60-65% of total costs of commercial egg production. The best strategy to reduce costs is the development of diet formulation using alternative, locally available, ingredients, thereby decreasing feed costs. SBM is a well-established and relatively inexpensive protein source for poultry diets. It can be harvested two or three times a year in tropical areas, being a good alternative for oil producers and for the feed mill sector (Vieira et al, 1992). The use of SBM in poultry diets is limited by variations in its chemical composition, and the two main components apparently restricting its use are high fiber/low energy and low lysine contents (Senkoylu and Dale, 1999)
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