Bioconversion and Enzymes Fortification of Palm Kernel Meal as Protein Supplement in Broiler Rations

The study was designed to exploit the advantages in solid state fermentation (SSF) and the use of fibrolytic enzymes for proper degradation of the high crude fibre content of palm kernel meal (PKM). Complete randomized design was used in these studies. The research studies were carried out at the Teaching & Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Two sets of 336 broiler chicks were used in 2 independent phases (broiler starter and finisher phases) of the studies. Ensiled PKM (ePKM) and ensiled plus Roxazyme G2 (cellulase, glucanase and xylanase) fortified PKM (ePKMf) were used to replace significant quantities of energy and protein ingredients at 10%, 20% and 30% inclusion levels in broiler starter diets and 30%, 40% and 50% inclusion levels in broiler finisher diets. Growth performance parameters were generally similar (P>.05) and sometimes better for broiler starter and finisher chicks on ePKMf diets than for chicks on diets where PKM was neither ensiled nor fortified with enzymes. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) values of 2.29±0.21, 2.30±0.14 and 2.40±0.07 obtained from starter birds on 10%, 20% and 30% ePKMf diets, respectively were similar (P>.05) to the FCR value (2.30±0.12) obtained from the birds on the control diet and FCR values for finisher birds were either similar or better than the control values. Most carcass characteristics and organs weights had similar values (P>.05) and were consistently better for birds on ePKMf diets. Most haematological parameters and serum metabolites examined had similar (P>.05) values comparable with normal existing values in literature. The use of ensiled PKM and fibrolytic enzymes (Roxazyme G2) can be safely practiced to further improve the utilization of PKM in poultry diets. The optimum inclusion levels of 30% ePKMf and 50% ePKMf were tolerable and found to support investigated growth performance indices and nitrogen digestibility parameters in broiler starter (0-28days) and broiler finisher (29-57days), respectively