Effect of the total substitution of glandless cottonseed kernels for groundnut cake on broiler production in Senegal

Abstract

The performances of broilers fed a diet in which the groundnut cake was totally replaced by glandless cottonseed kernels (FCG) were compared to those of animals fed an experimental control diet (Tém_E), a commercial diet (Tém_C), and a very simple diet containing only corn, FCG and a mineral and vitamin concentrate. From the start, the Tém_C and FCG animals showed the highest growths. After 43 days of breeding, there were major differences in body weights between the groups, essentially caused by differences in feed intake, so that the best growth rates were not necessarily linked to better feed conversion ratios. Low body weights, low intakes and high mortality levels were observed with the simple diet.