Influence of Mushroom Grown on Yam Peel, Palm chaff, Sawdust, and Oil Palm Empty Bunch as Poultry Feed Admixture for Broiler Chicks Growth Enhancer

Abstract

This study explores the viability of utilizing mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) grown on diverse organic wastes as an economical and nutrient-rich feed for poultry production. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of mushroom grown on yam peel, palm chaff, sawdust, and oil palm empty bunch as poultry feed admixture for broiler chicks’growth enhancer using appropriate standard methods with thirty (30) broiler chicks on three diets for six weeks: Mushroom Poultry Feed (MPF); Commercial Poultry Feed (CPF), and Mixed Feed (MPF + CPF) respectively. Data obtained show that MPF-fed chickens exhibited a lower growth rate than chickens fed with CPF and MPF + CPF, signifying relatively less efficient weight gain. However, no significant differences were observed among feeding treatments (p > 0.05). The digestibility of MPF, CPF, and MPF + CPF was 81.06%, 82.93%, and 85.86% respectively, suggesting the potential of mixed feed to provide superior nutrients for growth and energy. Regarding chicken meat composition, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in proximate composition, vitamins, and minerals among various feed treatments, emphasizing their interplay. However, the feed type did not significantly impact vitamin content (p > 0.05), highlighting variations more attributable to vitamin types than feed treatments. These findings highlight the potential of valorizing organic waste through mushroom cultivation for sustainable and economically viable poultry feed production.