Effect of Palm Kernel Meal on the Performance of Broilers

A study was conducted to evaluate the utilization of palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis) meal in broilers (n=360) at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 % either alone or in combination with enzymes (0.05%) made nine dietary treatments. The body weight gain and feed intake were not affected among different dietary treatment groups. The feed efficiency was not significantly affected during starter phase, but it was affected significantly (P<0.01) among different groups during finisher and entire period. The feed cost per kg live weight gain was less in broilers fed 7.5% palm kernel meal with enzymes compared to all other groups. The different inclusion levels of palm kernel meal either alone or in combination with enzymes in broiler diets did not influence the carcass traits, total serum protein, serum alkaline phosphatase , antibody titres for Newcastle disease vaccination and mortality compared to control group .It is inferred that the palm kernel meal with enzymes at 7.5% was proved to be better in terms of economic production of broilers .