Using dehydrated poultry waste in poultry rations — A review

Abstract

The use of dehydrated poultry waste (DPW) in poultry rations is reviewed. As a poultry feed, it is a substantial source of crude protein and is rich in calcium and phosphorus. Factors affecting composition of DPW are discussed. DPW as a feed for poultry has a relatively low energy value. Although nitrogen content is high, much is nonprotein (uric acid) and of limited use to nonruminate animals such as poultry. In some studies, DPW, when fed to broilers resulted in depressed growth rate and feed efficiency. More emphasis has been placed on feeding DPW to layers than to broilers, poults, or baby chicks. Experimental data indicate DPW can be used in layer rations in amounts up to 15% without important changes in production, feed efficiency, or egg size. In sensory tests on broilers, a triangle test was used to study flavor differences caused by feeding 0, 9.6, 19.1, or 38.2% DPW. Panel members could not accurately detect flavor differences between the two extreme treatments. Performance of the 38.2%-DPW group was poorest by live weight, eviscerated weight, and feed conversion. Carcass composition changes, studied by analyses of dark meat for protein, ether extract, calcium, phosphorus, and TBA value, showed no significant differences among treatments in any of those factors. It was concluded that feeding DPW had no noticeable effect on broiler carcass quality, though growth was somewhat depressed when feed contained 38.2% DPW. Thus DPW may be nearly 20% of broiler's feed. Research on the use of DPW in poultry rations is still needed. Utilization of DPW by turkeys, geese, ducks, and game birds may have great potential.