EVALUATING BROILER GROWTH AND MEAT QUALITY WITH FERMENTED OIL PALM MEAL DIETS
Farhan Ali Laghari, Imdad Hussain Leghari, Shoaib Ahmed Pirzado, Abdul Sattar Shahani, Sahar Khan, Asmatullah Sahito, Fareeda Marri, Abdul Sami Solangi, Bilawal, Gordhan, Naseeb Ullah Marri, Abdul Kabir*
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of substituting soybean with fermented oil palm meal on broiler chickens by dividing 180 chicks into three groups: Group A (control, fed a basal diet), Group B (15% fermented palm kernel meal), and Group C (15% non-fermented palm kernel meal). Group B showed superior growth performance, with the highest live body weight (2200.00 g), feed intake (3391.66 g), and the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.54, compared to Groups A and C. Carcass weight and dressing percentage were also highest in Group B (1543.33 g and 66.10%, respectively). Organ weights, including the thymus, spleen, bursa, heart, and liver, were all maximized in Group B.Group B also demonstrated better meat quality, including the highest breast muscle weight (347.13 g) and leg muscle weight (173.36 g), with the least cooking loss (20.97%) and highest water-holding capacity (70.16%). The lowest pH (5.41), highest protein content (22.73%), fat (2.59%), and ash (1.75%) were also observed in Group B, indicating improved meat quality. Overall, Group B, with 15% fermented palm kernel meal, performed better in terms of growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality compared to the other groups.
Keyword: Fermented Palm Kernel Meal, Broiler Growth Performance, Feed Conversion Ratio, Meat Quality