Effects of Replacement of Decorticated Sunflower Cake for Sesame Cake in Broiler Diets on Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Economic Efficiency

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, carcass yield and economic responses of replacing decorticated sunflower cake for sesame cake in broiler diets. One day-old commercial Hubbard broiler chicks (n=160) were obtained from commercial hatchery. The chicks (44.64 ±0.72 g) were randomly allotted to 20 pens (1x1m) in groups of 8 chicks per each. The chicks were divided into five dietary treatments; each group was replicated four times. Starter and finisher experimental diet in which decorticated sunflower cake DSFC replaced sesame cake SC at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% were fed through the period of the experiment (42 days). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design. The results showed no significant (P≥0.05) differences in feed intake, live body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio. However, live body weight, feed intake and body weight gain were steadily increased compared to control, except for 100% replacement. Relative weight of abdominal fat was not significantly (p≥0.05) different among DSFC supplemented groups compared to control. Economic results showed that the highest economic efficiency index EEI and the lowest cost index CI were obtained by birds fed on 100% replacement. It is to be concluded that decorticated sunflower cake can completely replace sesame cake without detrimental effect on overall performance and carcass characteristics.