AMINO ACID DIGESTIBILITIES OF PALM KERNEL MEAL IN POULTRY

Abstract

Palm kernel meal (PKM) is produced in large quantities in many parts of the world. Problems associated with PKM are due to their high fibre content, imbalanced amino acid ratios, the possibility of Maillard products and their own physical characteristics (high bulk density and low water holding capacity). This study was conducted to determine the nutrient digestibility, jejunal digesta viscosity, apparent metabolizable energy and physical characteristics of PKM. A total of 28 day old male Ross chicks were given control starter and grower diets from day 1 to 35. From day 36, the birds were fed an experimental diet which contained 91.5% PKM plus sunflower oil, vitamins and minerals. Faeces were collected for three consecutive days. Jejunal digesta was measured for viscosity and ileal digesta was used for amino acid digestibility measurements. Data indicated that bulk density and water holding capacity of PKM were very close to the values of bulk density and water holding capacity of most conventional feedstuffs. Nutritionally, PKM contained low crude protein and high crude fibre. Dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and amino acid digestibilites were low, but arginine digestibility was quite high, being about 82%. Jejunal digesta viscosity was low (1.54 cP) and apparent metabolizable energy was moderate, being 9.45 MJ/kg. Keywords: Palm Kernel Meal, Nutritive Values, Physical Characteristics