Comparative utilization of shea butter cake and palm kernel cake by broiler chickens

Abstract

The utilization of Shea butter cake (SBC), a by-product of fat extraction from Sheabutter nuts (Butyrospemium parodoxum) was compared with Palm Kernel Cate (PKC) to establish its potential as a poultry feedstuff. A 2 x 3 factorial experiment combining two factors, SBC and PKC at three levels of inclusion (5%, 10% and 15%) was designed. The six dietary treatments were fed to a total of 180 day-old chicks up to 56 days or age. Broilers fed SBC diets consumed more feed (P < 0.05) than those fed PKC diets between 0-28 days or age. During the finisher period (29-56d) and the entire period (0-56d) feed intakes of broilers were similar (P > 0.05) oo the treatment except the low consumption (P<0.05) by those fed 5% SBC. Broiler chicks fed 5% attained the heaviest weight gain (P > 0.05) which compared with chicks fed 15% PKC between 0·28d. Between 29-56d. growth rates of broilers were unif onnly higher (P < 0.05) on PKC than SBC diets. Broilers fed 15% SBC had the least. (P<0.05) weight gain at the three (0-28d; 29-56d and 0-56d) periods. Considering the entire period (0-56d), growth rates were not significantly (P> 0.05) different on SBC diets up to 10%, and on PKC diets up to 15%. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratios of the broiler became poorer (P < 0.05) with increasing lenls of SBC in both growth phases unlike broilers fed PKC which had similar values irrespective or the levels of inclusion. The intestinal tracts and visceral organs were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the sources and levels of test ingredients except abdominal fat which was higher on SBC than PKC at 10% and 15% levels of inclusion, and increased with the levels of SBC 10% SBC level was optimal.

Key Words: Broilers; Sheabutter cake; Palm kernel cake; performance; organ measurements.