The use of amaranth (genus Amaranthus L.) in the diets for broiler chickens

The objective of our study was to test amaranth grain or dried biomass in the diet for broiler chickens as a resource of protein replacing animal protein. Further, the effect of amaranth on broiler performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality were assessed in a feeding trial. The experimental groups of broilers were fed feed mixtures with crude amaranth grain (AC), heat processed amaranth grain (AP) or dried above-ground biomass (AB). Control groups (C) received the diet containing animal proteins. The results obtained in the experimental groups of broiler chickens can be compared to the control group in all the production indicators under investigation. On day 42 of the experiment, live weight (g) of female broilers ranged from 2 205.1 ± 152.5 (AP) to 2 254.0 ± 136.5 (C), and that of male broilers from 2 375.1 ± 233.0 (AC) to 2 506.0 ± 286.0 (C). Feed conversion ranged from 1.80 kg in control group of male broiler chickens to 1.91 kg in experimental group of male broilers (AB). Percentage yield in female broiler chickens ranged from 70.8 ± 1.74 (AB) to 72.4 ± 3.34 (AC) or 72.4 ± 1.98 (C), and in male broilers from 72.8 ± 3.55 (AP) to 75.1 ± 2.44 (AB). Our results showed that amaranth can fully replace meat-and-bone meals in the diets for broiler chickens.