Use of dehulled glandless cottonseed (DGCS) in broiler diets in Côte-d’Ivoire

Abstract

The use of dehulled glandless cottonseed (DGCS) as protein and energy sources in broiler diets was tested comparing four diets with either 0, 10, 15 or 20 % DGCS. No significant effect on the live weight gain in the broilers was noted at 14, 28, 42 days of age. For the whole experimental period (0-42 days), the feed intake was not affected by the level of DGCS in the feed. However, the feed conversion ratio was higher for the diet with 20 % compared with those containing 10 or 15 %. Mortality rate was not affected but the number of birds with leg abnormalities tended to increase with DGCS level in the diet. For a DGSC price of 42.6 F CFA/kg, its inclusion in the diet caused a decrease in feed costs and an increase in the gross margin per animal for chicks fed 10 or 15 % DGCS. This product may constitute a new feed ingredient that can be advantageous in poultry feeding.