Inclusion Of Palm Kernel Meal Research Articles

Effects of dietary palm kernel meal and β-xylanase on productive performance, fatty liver incidence, and excreta characteristics in laying hens

The objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary palm kernel meal (PKM) and β-xylanase supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, fatty liver incidence, and excreta characteristics in laying hens. A total of 320 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (33 weeks of age) were allotted to 1 of 4 treatments with 8 replicates in a feeding trial. Each replicate consisted of 10 consecutive cages with 1 hen per cage. The corn-soybean meal-based control diet was prepared. Additional diet was prepared by including 10% of PKM in the control diet with a partial replacement of corn, soybean meal, and animal fat. In addition, 0.025% β-xylanase was supplemented at the expense of celite to those 2 diets to produce 4 treatment diets in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. All hens were provided the diet and water ad libitum for 8 weeks. Results indicated no significant interactions between inclusion of dietary PKM and β-xylanase for all measurements; therefore, the main effects were mainly discussed. Hens fed diets containing 10% PKM had greater (p < 0.05) feed intake and yolk color than those fed diets containing no PKM. However, dietary PKM did not influence fatty liver incidence and excreta characteristics. Dietary β-xylanase supplementation had no effects on all measurements, regardless of inclusion of PKM. In conclusion, PKM can be a potential feed ingredient for laying hens at the inclusion of 10% in the diet. It appears that dietary β-xylanase used in the current experiment has little effect on layer productivity, regardless of inclusion of 10% PKM in the diet.

Effect of dietary palm kernel meal on laying hens

Indonesia has the potential for palm kernel meal, which has the largest production in the world. Palm kernel meal has been commonly used as an ingredient in ruminant and poultry feeds. However, the various studies conducted have produced very varied results. This article aimed to analyze various research data on the use of palm kernel meal in the chicken feed. The data used were 38 data points from 10 journal articles. The use of palm kernel meal ranged from 0% to 70% in rations. The statistical model used is linear regression. The database was analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Results showed that the use of palm kernel meal in laying hens reduced (P<0.01) egg production. Palm kernel meal also increased FCR (P<0.05) and tended to decrease Haugh Unit (P<0.1). Other parameters such as consumption, egg weight, mortality, egg shell thickness, and yolk color were not influenced by dietary inclusion of palm kernel meal. In conclusion, palm kernel meal cannot be given to poultry directly, it is necessary to process the ingredient to enhance its nutritive value.

Dietary inclusion of non-conventional palm kernel meal enhances growth, digestive enzyme activities and carcass characteristics of juvenile rohu (Labeo rohita)

A 60-day feeding trial was performed to test the nutritional value and utilization possibility of palm kernel meal (PKM) as a feed ingredient for juvenile Labeo rohita. Five iso-nitrogenous diets were prepared with various inclusions of PKM which replaced sunflower oil cake and de-oiled rice bran namely, control (without PKM), T1 (50 g/kg PKM), T2 (100 g/kg PKM), T3 (150 g/kg PKM) and T4 (200 g/kg PKM). The experiment was conducted in 350 L fibre reinforced plastic tanks in triplicate and each tank stocked with twenty-five juvenile rohu (7.2 ± 0.01 g) were fed twice daily at 5% of body weight with the experimental diet. The growth performance values showed a higher overall linear trend in T2 and it is significantly different from control as well as T1 groups. Final results showed highest average body weight, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and apparent net protein utilization in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Significantly higher amylase, protease, and lipase activities were recorded in T2 treatment (p = 0.003, p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Additionally, dietary PKM significantly lowered the aspartate amino transferase, alkaline amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Significantly higher lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver tissues were recorded in T4 (p = 0.004, p = 0.01 and p = 0.02 and p = 0.001, respectively). Based on the polynomial regression analysis, the PKM inclusion at 26.17–100.11 g/kg can be effectively used in the diet of juvenile L. rohita as a non-conventional growth-promoting feed ingredient without any harmful effects on its growth performance and physiological activities.

PSX-24 Effect of alkali treated palm kernel meal on nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, performance and carcass characteristics by lambs

Abstract Limited research has been conducted to evaluate alternatives to enhance nutritional value of palm kernel meal (PKM) for ruminants. Therefore, 2 experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of treating palm kernel meal with calcium hydroxide (CH) on nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, performance and carcass characteristics of growing lambs. In Exp. 1, three lambs were randomly allotted in a 3 × 3 Latin square. Treatment diets include: (1) 0% PKM (Ctrl), (2) 25% PKM (PKM-NT) and (3) 25% PKM (PKM-T) treated with 5% CH. Data were analyzed as a Latin square with 3 dietary treatments and 3 periods using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Nutrient intake was not altered by experimental diet (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Fiber digestibility was decreased by inclusion of PKM (P = 0.043). However, Fiber digestibility was not different between PKM-T and PKM-NT (P = 0.613). Nitrogen free-extract was decreased by PKM-T vs PKM-NT (P = 0.037). Blood parameters evaluated (i.e. triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, total protein, TGO, TGP) were not altered by experimental treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.073). In Exp. 2, 14 lambs (19.3±3.32 kg of BW) were allocated into 1 of 2 experimental diets (PKM-NT or PKM-T) based on their live BW. Animals were fed individually for 93 d. Carcass characteristics were measured at the end of the feeding trial after a 24-h chilling period. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedures of SAS as a completely randomized block design. Overall, DMI and ADG was increased by PKM-T (P &amp;lt; 0.049). Nevertheless, Feed efficiency was not altered by experimental treatment (P = 0.214). Dressing percent was enhanced by PKM-T (P = 0.036). Remaining carcass characteristics were not altered by experimental diet (P &amp;gt; 0.112). Growing data, suggest that treating PKM with alkali increased its nutritional value based on performance results. However, nutrient digestibilities does not support the benefit from alkali treatment.

Dietary inclusion of fibrous ingredients and bird type influence apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients and energy utilization

The interaction between inclusion of fibrous ingredients and bird type on the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of nutrients and energy utilization was investigated in the current study. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was utilized with 2 fiber contents (10.3 and 19.3 g/kg neutral detergent fiber) and 3 bird types (broilers, pullets and layers). The low-fiber diet was based on corn and soybean meal, and the high-fiber diet was developed by the inclusion of palm kernel meal, canola meal, and oat hulls. Titanium dioxide was used as an inert marker to calculate the CAID. The digesta were collected from the terminal ileum following the feeding of experimental diets for 7 d. Significant interactions (P < 0.05) between dietary fiber content and bird type were observed for the CAID of DM, starch, fat, neutral detergent fiber and energy, and AMEn. In general, the CAID coefficients were higher in broilers, intermediate in pullets, and lowest in layers at both fiber contents. The CAID of nutrients in the 3 bird types was higher (P < 0.05) in the high-fiber diet than in the low-fiber diet, but the magnitude of responses differed. Layers showed markedly higher digestibility responses to increased dietary fiber content compared to broilers and pullets. There were interactions (P < 0.05 to 0.001) between the dietary fiber content and bird type for the CAID of nitrogen and all amino acids, except for Asp and Lys. The CAID of Asp and Lys was highest (P < 0.05) in broilers, intermediate in pullets, and lowest digestibility in layers. The CAID coefficients of nitrogen and amino acid increased with increased fiber content, with distinctly greater responses in layers compared to broilers and pullets. Overall, layers showed greater digestibility of nutrients in response to the increased fiber content, suggesting that layers require high-dietary fiber contents to efficiently utilize nutrients compared to broilers and pullets.

Feeding behavior of sheep fed diets with Elaeis guineensis palm kernel meal

In order to evaluate the feeding behavior of sheep fed with diets containing different levels of palm kernel meal (PKM) substituted for corn silage, a metabolic assay was performed on 20 ewes (5 treatments × 4 replicates) over 25 d. The animals received corn silage diets with the addition of increasing levels of PKM (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60%). The following parameters were evaluated: dry matter (DM) intake, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, feeding time, rumination time, idle time, number of merycism mastications per bolus, time spent ruminating each bolus, DM and NDF per bolus, number of ruminated boluses per day, feeding and rumination efficiency, total chewing time, and number of merycism mastications per day. The daily intake of both DM and NDF increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and when sheep were fed diets of at least 43.18 and 39.15% PKM, respectively, the consumption values were significantly different than when sheep were fed diets with 0% PKM (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In contrast, feeding time declined linearly, and in response to diets with at least 28.05% PKM, the sheep exhibited significantly different feeding times from those of sheep fed 0% PKM, with a reduction of 0.0613 percentage points per 1% increase in PKM. Idle time, rumination time, and rumination time per bolus each exhibited quadratic responses (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and the minimum rumination time per bolus was 44.37 s with 35.19% PKM. A quadratic response was also observed for total chewing time and both measures of merycism mastications (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Therefore, we concluded that the inclusion of PKM in the diets of sheep improves some parameters of feeding behavior, and the use of PKM is recommended at DM percentages of up to 40%.

Influence of Palm Kernel Meal Inclusion and Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation on Growth Performance, Energy Utilization, and Nutrient Digestibility in Young Broilers.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of palm kernel meal (PKM) inclusion and exogenous enzyme supplementation on growth performance, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) and total tract retention of nutrients in young broilers fed corn-based diets. Four inclusion levels of PKM (no PKM [PKM0], 8% [PKM8], 16% [PKM16], and 24% [PKM24]) and two enzyme additions were evaluated in a 4×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. A total of 384, one-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were individually weighed and allocated to 48 cages (eight broilers/cage), and cages were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments. Results indicated that the inclusion of 8% and 16% PKM increased (p<0.05) the weight gain compared to the PKM0 diet. Birds fed the PKM8 diets had the highest (p<0.05) feed intake. Weight gain and feed intake were severely reduced (p<0.05) by feeding the PKM24 diet. Enzyme supplementation increased weight gain (p<0.05), independent of PKM inclusion level. In PKM0 and PKM8 diets, enzyme addition significantly (p<0.05) lowered feed conversion ratio (FCR); whereas enzyme addition had no effect on FCR of birds fed PKM16 and PKM24 diets. In PKM0 and PKM16 diets, enzyme addition significantly (p<0.05) increased CAID of nitrogen and energy but had no effect in the PKM8 and PKM24 diets. Inclusion of PKM into the basal diet, irrespective of inclusion level, enhanced (p<0.05) starch and fat digestibility. Inclusion of PKM at 16% and 24% resulted in similar CAID of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) but higher (p<0.05) than that of the PKM0 and PKM8 diets. Enzyme addition, regardless of the level of PKM inclusion, significantly (p<0.05) increased CAID of NDF. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in AMEn with PKM inclusion of 24%. The present data suggest that inclusion of PKM in broiler diets could be optimized if PKM-containing diets are formulated based on digestible amino acid contents and supplemented with exogenous enzymes. If amino acid digestibility and AME of PKM considered in the formulation, it can be included in broiler diets up to 16% with no deleterious effects on growth performance.

Palm kernel meal as additive in the elephant-grass silage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding palm kernel meal (BP) as an additive in elephant grass silage. The chemical qualitative and fermentation were analysed in a completely randomized design with six treatments, one with no BP (C) and six replications, where the averages of the results of days of closing and opening were analysed by regression analysis. We collected samples at the time of ensiling and after 190 days of storage for evaluation of dry matter, crude protein, carbohydrates (total, non-fibrous, water-soluble, cellulose and hemicellulose), ash, lignin and ether extract. In aerobic phase, we collected samples for pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, fungi and yeasts. The elephant grass of this experiment showed values of 13.9% DM and 8.25% CP while the BP has 77.2% DM and 16.9% CP. The inclusion of BP had inhibited the growth of fungi and yeasts. The increase in the content of BP decreased the concentration of NH3-N. Higher concentrations of BP in silage were more stable, and the stability breaks in 72 hours, while the stability of C was 19 hours. Concentrations above 15% BP had no significant variations in pH in the aerobic phase. The inclusion of palm kernel meal at concentrations 10% to 15% can be used in silage of elephant grass, inhibiting undesired fermentation and making them more stable. Concentrations above this value may affect the nutritive value of silage by high lignin content of the additive.

Effect of Dietary β-Mannanase Supplementation and Palm Kernel Meal Inclusion on Laying Performance and Egg Quality in 73 Weeks Old Hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-mannanase supplementation and palm kernel meal (PKM) inclusion (5%) on laying performance, egg quality and nutrient utilizability of laying hens with 73 weeks of age. A total of 240 Lohmann brown laying hens with average 77.5% egg production were randomly allocated with 60 hens per treatment, 4 replicates per treatment and 15 hens per replicate. Experimental design was a completely randomized design with <TEX>$2{\times}2$</TEX> factorial arrangement, with the factors being (1) two levels of PKM (0 vs. 5%) and (2) with or without dietary <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-mannanase (480 IU/kg of diet CTCzyme<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>) supplementation. All hens were housed in cages (<TEX>$35cmW{\times}35cmD{\times}40cmH$</TEX>) with 2 hens per cage for six weeks feeding trial. Laying performance was recorded daily during feeding trial. Egg quality, nutrients utilizability and blood assays were done at the end of feeding trial. Egg production was improved (P<0.05) by both dietary PKM inclusion and <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-mannanase combined supplementation. Either <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-mannanase or PKM did not affect feed intakes and feed conversion ratio of all diets. Egg weight of hens fed diet containing 5% of PKM had heavier (P<0.05) eggs compared with hens fed without PKM. Albumen height was improved (P<0.05) by dietary mannanase supplementation. Crude fat utilization of 5% PKM diet was higher than that of no PKM diet regardless of <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-mannanase supplementation. Both DM and total carbohydrate utilization were decreased (P<0.05) in hens fed 5% PKM diet. Serum IgG and yolk IgY contents of PKM groups were lower (P<0.05) than those of no PKM groups. This result showed that 5% PKM diet, independent of dietary <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-mannanase supplementation, was able to improve egg production. In addition, dietary <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-mannanase supplementation could be used for improving the albumen height of eggs.

Abstracts of the XXXVI Symposium de cunicultura de ASESCU, 2011

The annual Congress of the Spanish Association of Cuniculture (ASESCU) was held in Peñíscola (province of Castellón, autonomous community of Valence) on 12-13th May of 2011. The 36th edition was devoted to analyse the actual situation of the rabbit sector. It was presented an overview of the situation of the rabbit farming in the province of Castellón, an analysis of the factors that determine the final price of the rabbit meat in the market. Moreover, a special session devoted to the rabbit farmers studied the environmental control in the farms and the main factors influencing the profitability in the rabbit farming. Main papers related to coccidiosis, mixomatosis and, and a summary of the norm extension carried out by the Spanish Rabbit Interprofessional (INTERCUN) were also presented in three different conferences. Furthermore, a total of 32 communications were presented in seven working sessions. Nutrition session analysed diet digestibility in lactating does, the increasing of soluble fibre and starch in diets for growing rabbits, the effect of a feed restriction in fattening rabbits, pre-weaning feeding management of growing rabbits and does, the inclusion of palm kernel meal in diets for growing rabbits, and the digestibility of Lablab purpureus and Stizolobium niveum. Technico-economic management session studied concepts for improving profitability of farms. Genetics session evaluated several maternal lines and cross does for longevity, and studied doe genetic origin, environmental conditions during lactation and kit survival during the fattening period. Ethology session analysed aggressiveness in breeding does, the effect of type of cage on does behaviour, and evaluated sampling techniques for assessing does behaviour. Reproduction and Body Composition session studied several aspects related to the body composition of does, the application of biolectrical impedance for its assessment, the effect of different treatments of ovulation induction, and the relation between the performance of the does and plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids. Carcass Quality session analysed the prediction of intramuscular fat and fatty acid content in rabbit meat by near infrared spectroscopy, the nutritional quality of rabbit meat fed with a feed enriched in Omega 3, risk factors related to rabbit digestive pathologies on carcass classification, the anatomical assessment and meat quality, and prediction of rabbit carcass composition using visual image analysis. Pathology section studied the use of the Pheneplate System for autovaccine design, the effect of heat stress on the immune system of rabbit does, the characterization of nasal carried Staphylococcus aureus strains, the pharmacokinetic of marbofloxacin and several fluoroquinolones, and the development of a subunit vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus.

Response of cockerels to graded levels of local and industrially processed palm kernel meal (Elaise guineasis)

One hundred and eighty (180) two weeks old cockerels were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial layout. They were used to compare the effects of two processing methods of palm kernel oil extraction (local and industrial) and three dietary levels of palm kernel meal (PKM) (0, 20 and 40%). Parameters considered were feed intake, daily weight gain, feed cost, carcass characteristics, blood constituents and nutrient metabolisms. The result showed that the cockerels on industrial PKM had a significantly (P<0.05) higher feed intake, daily weight gain and better feed conversion ratio (P<0.01) compared to the control and those on local PKM. The highest weight gain and lowest feed cost/kg weight gain was obtained for 40% PKM diets. The carcass analysis was not significantly different except for the slaughter, head and feet weight and length of small intestine. Not all these followed any particular pattern. Cockerels on industrial PKM had significantly (P<0.05) longer small intestine compared to control and local PKM diets. The blood analysis also showed a significant effect of processing method on packed cell volume, albumin and total protein in favour of industrial PKM. The nutrient metabolism study showed a significant treatment and processing method effect. The nutrient metabolism decreased with increase in PKM inclusion level. In conclusion, industrial PKM can be included up to 40% level in the cockerels’ diet with very good results. Key words: Cockerels, processing methods, performance, nutrient utilization.

Performance of Broilers Fed Varying Levels of Palm Kernel Cake

The high cost of conventional feed ingredients has necessitated the investigation into unconventional readily available feedstuffs such as Palm Kernel Meal (PKM). The study was conducted to determine the effect of using different levels of PKM in broilers chicks diet on performance, cost effectiveness, blood chemistry and carcass characteristics. Two hundred (200) day old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were in a completely randomized design allocated to five dietary treatments (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% PKM) in four replicates. The birds were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 21% crude protein and 2700 kcal/kgME at the starter phase and 23% CP and 3000 kcal/kgME for the Finisher phase. The result showed that the feed intake and daily weight gain increases significantly (p<0.05) with increase in PKM inclusion up to 30% while the FCR were similar to the control. Performance in terms of daily weight gain and FCR indicated that birds on PKM diet perform equally well as those on the control diets. Similarly, the feed cost/kg weight gains were slightly better on the PKM based diet than the control. The result of the blood biochemical analysis showed there was no significant treatment effect on all the haematological parameters measured, which indicates that PKM does not contain any anti nutritional factor. Similarly, the carcass analysis showed non-significance effect of level of PKM on most of the organs except the heart, gall bladder and back weight. The gall bladder and back weight showed significant (p<0.05) increase with increase in PKM inclusion level while the heart weight was not following any particular pattern. These findings show that PKM can be included at 30% level in the diet of broilers without a negative effect on performance, carcass yield and blood constituents.

Feeding native laying hens diets containing palm kernel meal with or without enzyme supplementations: 1. Feed conversion ratio and egg production

SUMMARY Oil extraction from the palm kernel produces a large amount of palm kernel meal (PKM), a by-product having considerable potential nutritive value for poultry. Increasing its use and improving its nutritive value in poultry diets is especially important in palm oil-producing countries. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of the inclusion level of PKM in laying hen diets on egg production and egg quality. One hundred eighty 48-wk-old native laying hens were assigned to 180 cages (1 bird per cage) in a curtain-sided house. Diets were assigned at random to 15 cages each. The experimental diets resulted from a factorial combination of 3 levels of PKM (0, 15, and 30%), 2 levels of a fiber-degrading enzyme [0 and 15 units of β-glucanase (major enzyme) activity/kg of diet; Ronozyme VP, DSM Nutritional Products Inc., Basel, Switzerland], and 2 levels of phytase + protease mixture [0 and 2,000 units of phytase (Ronozyme NP) + 12,500 units of protease (Ronozyme ProAct) activity/kg of diet; both products of DSM Nutritional Products Inc.]. Diets were isocaloric (2,758 kcal of ME/kg) and contained 17.51 to 18.39% CP, and were provided ad libitum together with water for the 6-wk trial. Six-week feed intake increased as the PKM level increased (3,573 vs. 3,791 vs. 4,022 g/hen for the hens fed 0, 15, and 30% PKM, respectively; P ≤ 0.008). Levels of PKM did not affect egg production, feed conversion, or egg weight. Egg quality traits (albumen height, Haugh units, eggshell thickness, and egg surface area) of hens fed 15 or 30% PKM were comparable with those fed the 0% PKM (corn and soybean meal) except that yolk color was paler when the PKM diets were fed (8.15 vs. 7.08 vs. 5.61 for the hens fed 0, 15, and 30% PKM, respectively; P ≤ 0.0001). Because PKM inclusion resulted in no deleterious effects on egg production and quality, no effects of enzyme supplementation could be measured. Depending on consumer preference, a carotenoid source may be needed when PKM is included in the diet at levels of 15% or above.

The Effect of Low-Density Diets on Broiler Breeder Development and Nutrient Digestibility During the Rearing Period

Low-density diets might help to reduce hunger feeling in restricted-fed broiler breeders. Effects of low-density diets on nutrient digestibility and bird development were studied in Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens from 4 wk of age until the onset of the lay (wk 26). The experiment included 4 treatments. The control treatment was a normal density diet (ND; 2,600 kcal/kg). Treatments 2 and 3 had a 12 and 23% lower nutrient density than ND (LD12 and LD23, respectively) through inclusion of palm kernel meal, wheat bran, wheat gluten feed, and sunflower seed meal. Treatment 4 also had a 12% lower nutrient density than ND but included oats and sugar beet pulp (LD12OP). Total daily intake of energy, digestible lysine, calcium, retainable phosphorus, sodium, and linoleic acid was kept constant in the low-density dietary treatments. Animal performance and development of the intestinal tract and reproductive tract were determined in addition to digestibility and feed passage rate. The LD12OP provided a lower AME and nutrient digestibility than calculated and was related to lower live weights. Birds given LD23 and LD12OP showed a faster ovarian and oviduct development between wk 24 and 26 compared with ND. At 22 wk of age, LD23 and LD12OP diets resulted in higher empty jejunum and ileum weights. Low-density diets did not affect intestinal tract contents and decreased mean retention time of the contents. It was concluded that low-density diets can affect live weight and development of digestive and reproductive tracts.

The Effect of Low-Density Broiler Breeder Diets on Performance and Immune Status of their Offspring

Effects of low-density broiler breeder diets on offspring performance and mortality were studied using 2,100 female and 210 male Cobb 500 breeders. Breeder treatments involved 4 experimental groups and a control group with normal density diets (ND, 2,600 kcal of AME/kg during rearing and 2,800 kcal of AME/kg during laying). In treatment 2, nutrient densities were decreased by 12% (LD12) and 11% (LD11) during the rearing and laying periods, respectively, whereas in treatment 3, nutrient densities were decreased by 23% (LD23) and 21% (LD21) during the rearing and laying periods, respectively. The nutrient density in these treatments was decreased through inclusion of palm kernel meal, wheat bran, wheat gluten feed, and sunflower seed meal in the diets. Treatment 4 included diets with the same nutrient densities as in treatment 2 but included oats and sugar beet pulp (LD12(OP) and LD11(OP)). In treatment 5, the same low-density diet was given to the breeders as in treatment 2 during the rearing period, but it was followed by a normal density diet during the laying period (LD12-ND). Treatments were applied from 4 to 60 wk of age. On low-density diets, offspring showed an increased 1-d-old weight. As compared with offspring of breeders that received ND, the d 38 live weight of chickens from 29-wk-old breeders fed LD11 was improved. Mortality was reduced in offspring from 60-wk-old parent stock given low-density diets. The IgM titers in 35-d-old offspring from eggs with a lower-than-average weight were reduced when 29-wk-old broiler breeders were fed low-density diets. In offspring from eggs with a higher-than-average weight from 60-wk-old parent stock given LD11 or LD21 diets, IgM titers were higher compared with ND. It was concluded that low-density broiler breeder diets can improve offspring growth rates, reduce mortality, and reduce or increase immune responses, depending on breeder age and egg weight.

Palm kernel meal in broiler diets: effect on chicken performance and health

An increase in the production of palm kernel meal (PKM) coupled with the concern for continued availability of conventional feedstuffs in some parts of the world has led to research to establish the maximum inclusion level of palm kernel meal in broiler diets. The results suggested that palm kernel meal has no anti-nutritional properties and thus its inclusion is safe up to at least 40% in the diet, provided the diet is balanced in amino acids and metabolisable energy. Although feed digestibility is decreased due to high dietary fibre when PKM is included in the diet, the feed intake is increased. This makes total digestible nutrient intake relatively high. β-mannan is the main component of palm kernel meal non-starch polysaccharide (NSP). Both mannose and manno-oligosaccharides have been reported to act as prebiotics. The inclusion of palm kernel meal in the diet improves the immune system of birds and reduces pathogenic bacteria and increases the population of non-pathogenic bacteria in the intestine. These two benefits should be considered as strong recommendations for using palm kernel meal in broiler diets, particularly in palm kernel meal producing countries, not only for increasing bird productivity but also to improve chicken health. Selective enzyme addition increases feed efficiency and digestibility as well as decreasing the moisture content of faeces.

Evaluation of the influence of supplementing the diet with mannose or palm kernel meal on salmonella colonisation in poultry

1. The dietary inclusion of 15 and 25 g/kg mannose was associated with a reduction in the numbers of Salmonella enteritidis (PT4) in the caecal contents of chicks challenged by the food. The same benefit was not recorded for S. infantis, possibly because this strain, unlike S. enteritidis PT4, lacked mannose‐sensitive fimbriae. 2. The addition of 25 g/kg palm kernel meal (PKM), but not 20 g/kg desiccated coconut, to the food reduced the degree of salmonella colonisation in the intestinal tract of broiler chicks given diets contaminated with S. kedougou or S. enteritidis from the day of their arrival from the hatchery. 3. The beneficial effect of PKM was also demonstrated at an inclusion rate of 5 g/kg and was similar for preparations with a particle size of either < 150 μm or < 300 μm. 4. Day‐old birds challenged orally with S. enteritidis and given food supplemented with 25 g/kg PKM, became clear of infection by 3 weeks of age while birds given unsupplemented food remained infected. 5. These preliminary results suggest that the inclusion of PKM, which contains inter alia, oligosaccharides containing mannose, in the diet of chicks may reduce the extent to which the intestine is contaminated with salmonellas.

Effects of high rates of inclusion of palm kernel meal in broiler chick diets

The effects of palm kernel meal (PKM) on broiler chicks at dietary inclusion rates above 300 g kg −1 were examined. In Experiment 1, a meal with 142 g crude fibre kg −1 from Sierra Leone (PKM1) was included at 0 (control) and 500 g kg −1 diet (5PKM1) on the basis that PKM1 provided 9.74 MJ metabolisable energy (ME) kg −1. In Experiment 2, a meal with 211 g crude fibre kg −1 from Malaysia (PKM2) was included at 0 (control), 300, 400 and 500 g kg −1 (5PKM2) diet on the basis that PKM2 provided 8.35 MJ ME kg −1. The 5PKM1 diet, containing 63 g supplemental maize oil kg −1 depressed the food intake, growth rate and efficiency of food utilisation of chicks, with 5 week food intakes and body weights being 19 and 22% lower, respectively, than in controls. The 5PKM2 diet, containing 114 g supplemental maize oil kg −1, produced a slightly higher food intake than controls, the body weights of chicks being 3.6% lower at 5 weeks, but similar to those of controls at 7 weeks. The results indicate that PKM is a useful ingredient for broiler chick diets, but at high inclusion rates the texture of PKM-based diets may need to be improved by additional fat to facilitate an adequate level of food intake.

Palm kernel meal as a feed for poultry. 4. Use of palm kernel meal by laying birds

In each of 2 experiments, 200 laying birds of the Harco strain were used to determine the effects of increasing amounts of dietary palm kernel meal (PKM) on egg production rate and egg quality. The results show that up to 40% of PKM can be included in diets for layers without any adverse effects on performance or egg quality. As the proportion of PKM increased beyond 40%, there was a significant drop in egg production ( P < 0.05), egg weight ( P < 0.01), feed intake ( P < 0.01) and feed conversion efficiency ( P < 0.01). The cost of feed required to produce 1 kg of eggs was reduced by feeding with PKM. Diets containing 50–70% of PKM caused the production of very watery faeces. It is recommended that the maximum level of inclusion of PKM in the diet of laying birds should be 40%.