Effect of various levels of date palm kernel on growth performance of broilers.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was the assessment of various levels of date palm kernel (DPK) on the growth performance of broilers.


METHODS
A 250-day-old broiler chicks were randomly selected and categorized into five groups (50 chicks/group) contained A (control), B, C, D and E fed with 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% levels of DPK in balanced ration, respectively, for 6 weeks. Feed and water intake were recorded daily in the morning and evening. The data for feed intake, water intake, live body weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded from all birds regularly. The carcass weight and percentage obtained via six slaughtered birds were randomly selected from each group. Finally, economic aspects of the rations evaluated.


RESULTS
The most feed intakes of broilers were recorded in Group A (3915.1 g) that was significantly higher than Groups D and E. The highest water intake was in Group E (9067.78 ml) that was significantly higher than Group A and control group. Live body weight was highest in Group E (979.85 g) than Groups B, C, and control group. The best growth weights were determined significantly in Groups D (1921.96 g) and E (1935.95 g). The lowest FCRs were indicated significantly in Groups D (1.97 g/g) and E (1.92 g/g) than Groups B and A. The highest carcass weights were recorded in Groups D (1214.01 g) and E (1230.88 g) that were significantly more than other groups. Dressing percentages in Groups D (61.76%) and E (62.17%) were higher than other groups (p<0.05). The net profits (Rs.) in Groups A, B, C, D and E were indicated 27.01, 32.77, 36.78, 43.47 and 44.51 per broiler, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that the high levels of DPK (3-4%) significantly decreased broiler feed intake and increased water intake, live body weight, growth weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, net profit per bird and also had positive effects on growth of broilers.
Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan.
Muhammad Hamza
MH
Tareen
Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan.
Rani
R
Wagan
Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan.
Farman Ali
FA
Siyal
Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
Daryoush
D
Babazadeh
Department of Animal Husbandary, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal 3800, Pakistan.
Zohaib Ahmed
ZA
Bhutto
Department of Animal Husbandary, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal 3800, Pakistan.
Muhammad Asif
MA
Arain
Instititute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan.
Muhammad
M
Saeed
broiler; date palm kernel; growth performance