The toxic effects of karanja ( Pongamia glabra Vent) oil and cake on growth and feed efficiency in broiler chicks

Abstract

In feeding Trial 1, there were six treatments including a basal group. Karanja oil was fed at 1 and 2% levels, while karanja expeller cake was incorporated at 10, 20 and 40% levels. The body-weight gain of treatment groups, which ranged from 69 to 217 g, was significantly lower ( P < 0.01) than that of the basal group, 444 g. The feed efficiency of the 1% oil and 10% cake groups was significantly different from that of the 2% oil and 20% cake groups. The chicks on the 40% cake diet suffered 100% mortality. The liver and pancreas of chicks receiving 1% oil and 10% cake were significantly heavier, whereas the Hb and PCV values were lower than those of the basal group. In feeding Trial 2, the effect of autoclaving or water soaking on the toxic effects of karanja cake was investigated. At the 10 or 20% level of incorporation, processed cakes caused a marginal improvement in weight gain. A diet with 20% water-soaked cake resulted in 40% mortality.