Response of broiler chickens to rising levels of processed soya product

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to assess a processed plant protein (PPP) product from soybean as a supplement for starter broiler chicks and their subsequent performance. The study was a 4 x 2 factorial design (4 levels of PPP inclusion - 0, 25, 50 or 100 g/kg diet in maize- or wheat-based diets). Four hundred and eighty Ross 308 d-old male chicks were randomly allocated to the diets from hatch to 10d, after which the chicks were switched to commercial-type grower (11-24d) and finisher (25-35d) diets. Feed intake up to 10 or 5 days on wheat-based diet was not affected by starter level of PPP, however, on the maize-based diet feed intake was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in birds receiving highest level of PPP. On the wheat-based diet, body weight at 10d (P < 0.01) and 35d (P < 0.05) were increased by rising levels of PPP while on the maize-based diets the improvement was not significant. On the wheat-based diet, PPP improved (r) < 0.01) FCR for the two periods assessed but on the maize-based diet, FCR tended to improve at 35d (P < 0.08). The results demonstrate that the supplement could be included at between 2.5 and 100 g/kg of starter diets, depending on the basal diet.