| Abstrakt: |
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of alkaline hydrolyzed feather meal (AHFM) on the performance, intestinal morphology, and meat oxidation of Arian broiler chickens from d 15 to 42. A total of 480 one-day-old chickens of two sexes (equal ratio) were randomly distributed among 24 pens (20 chicks per experimental unit). The four experimental diets contained different levels of feather meal (0, 2, 4, and 5 %), which were replicated six times. During the grower period, daily weight gain decreased and the feed conversion ratio increased at 4 and 5 % AHFM levels (P<0.05), also feed intake increased in birds fed on a 5 % AHFM diet (P<0.05). In the overall experimental period feeding 4 % AHFM decreased the body weight gain compared to control (P<0.05) and the feed intake was reduced in birds fed on 2 % AHFM (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio has not been influenced by the level of AHFM 15-42 d. Diets with AHFM decreased the jejunum villi height, while this reduction in the ileum was observed at 4 and 5 % AHFM, and goblet cell density increased at 5 % AHFM (P<0.05). With the increase in the level of AHFM, the concentration of malondialdehyde in fresh breast, and thigh meat decreased so that the group receiving five percent of AHFM had the lowest concentration of malondialdehyde (P<0.01). The level of 5 % AHFM reduced the litter moisture (P<0.05) and the levels of AHFM did not affect the concentration of the litter ammonia. None of the mortality, production efficiency index, and feed cost per kilogram of live weight were significantly affected by experimental treatments. As a general conclusion, the use of AHFM reduced the body weight and increased the feed conversion ratio of Arian broilers without affecting the mortality rate and production efficiency index, although meat oxidative stability improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
