Cassava starch factory residues in the diet of slow-growing broilers.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of dehydrated cassava starch residue (DCSR) on the performance, gastrointestinal tract characteristics and carcass traits of ISA Label JA57 slow-growing broilers. A total of 510 broilers at 21 were distributed in a randomized experimental design with 5 treatments (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 % DCSR inclusion) and a control group, 5 replicates, and 17 birds per experimental unit. The DCSR inclusion from 21 to 49 days of age negatively influenced (P < 0.05) weight gain and feed intake and did not affect (P > 0.05) feed conversion in the broilers with increasing of DCSR inclusion. From 21 to 79 days, DCSR inclusion impaired (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed conversion, and poultry litter quality with increasing of DCSR inclusion. The level of blood triglycerides showed a quadratic response (P < 0.05) at 79 days of age with the highest value predicted to occur at 5.45 % of DCSR inclusion. DCSR levels affected (P < 0.05) the gastrointestinal organ characteristics, cecal content pH, and pigmentation of the shank, breast, and thigh meat of the birds but did not alter (P > 0.05) the other parameters of carcass quality and yield, cuts, and percentage of abdominal fat. In conclusion, DCSR inclusion levels above 2 % compromised broiler performance.