USE OF PKC IN FEEDING BROILERS

Palm kernel cake (PKC)

palm kernel cake(pkc) also known palm kernel meal(PKC) is meant to be used as an ingredient in formulating poultry ration but the reverse is the case as its been used to solely feed broilers and this is widespread especially among subsistent local farmers in Africa. Maybe due to high cost of commercial poultry feeds in the area.
Although palm kernel cake supplies both protein and energy, the proximate composition of palm kernel cake suggests that it can be classified as an energy source.

Facts about the use of PKC in feeding broilers and other poultry birds

• Poultry are monogastric animals that have a simple stomach and they are unable to tolerate highly fibrous feed.

• Due to its high fibre and shell content, low level of energy and key essential amino acids, and grittiness the use of PKC in poultry rations is very limited.

• The fibre content of palm kernel cake (21-23%) has been associated with a decline in nutrient digestibility of palm kernel cake, especially when fed to monogastrics. This notwithstanding, palm kernel cake can still be a major source of energy and protein to farm animals.

•The fibre content of palm kernel cake may not make it a first choice feedstuff for monogastrics but ruminants with their rumen microbial population can make very good use of the nutrients in them. palm kernel cake has largely been used in Sub-Sahara Africa for cattle feeding, especially dairy animals where it can serve as the main protein source.

• Problems associated with the use of PKC may not be related to the physical properties of PKC but to its contribution to the overall nutrients in the diet, particularly protein and energy.

• Another potential problem with PKC as poultry feed is its low energy content, which necessitates inclusion of high levels of fat into the rations. High dietary fat may result in fatter chickens and feed rancidity problems. Because of these limitations, local feedmillers usually use less than 5% PKC in their poultry feed products.

Summary
• The use of PKC solely to raise broilers is not advisable especially commercial ones as it limits their growth as a consequent of low digestibility due to its fiber content. The faster the feed consumed by broilers digests,the faster it grows. & vise versa

• If you must use PKC in feeding broilers, it should be incorporated alongside other feedstuffs to give a balanced ration

PKC is a feed ingredient and not a ration

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