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

Comments

POULTRY HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Active healthy birds Sick broiler bird Sick pullet Effective health management is an important aspect of poultry production. The best fed and housed stock with the best genetic potential will not grow and produce efficiently if they become diseased or infested with parasites. . Infectious disease causing organisms will spread very quickly through a flock because of the usual high stocking densities of commercially housed poultry. effective poultry health management primarily aims at: 1. Preventing the onset of disease or parasites. 2. Recognising at an early stage the presence of disease or parasites, and 3.Treating all flocks that are diseased or infested with parasites as soon as possible and before they develop into a serious condition or spread to other flocks. To be able to do this it is imperative to know how to identify that; i.The birds are diseased, ii. The action required for preventing or minimising disease and iii. How to monitor for signs

LAYER MANAGEMENT AND EGG PRODUCTION: POULTRY

Laying birds in deep litter Layers in battery cage Laying birds in nest box The basis of good egg production is a successful rearing phase, at the end of which the hen should have reached her standard body weight, with a well-developed frame and corresponding appetite or feed intake capacity The following points should be considered in layer layer nanagement ; Proper cleaning and disinfection of layer house. Provide proper floor space, feeding space and watering space both in deep-litter and cage system In deep-litter system, floor space of 2 sq.ft. per bird and feeding space of 5” per bird are provided In cage system 4 birds/box of 18” x 15” cage floor space is provided (0.46 sq. ft per bird) 6 feet linear feeder can be used for every 30 layers or 18” diameter circular feeder of 4-5 no for every 100 birds. Provide 18” diameter plastic waterer of 2 numbers for every 100 birds. Spread litter material, in case of deep-litter system up to 6” thickness. Grill

PROCESSING AND MARKETING OF SNAIL MEAT

Processed Snail meat Matured snails Processed snails Snail has become a highly valued delicacy in recent times. It is also known and referred to as “ Congo meat” in Nigeria. Snails constitute an important source of animal protein for many coastal communities in Nigeria. Snail meat consumption as we all know has become a lifestyle for some people especially those eating it on medical grounds. Snails are very useful in pharmaceuticals, for the production of certain drugs, because of their therapeutic properties. It has low fat and cholesterol and is the meat recommended for special medical patients. The emergence of snail meat joints in almost every neighborhood where snail meat delicacies are prepared is a clear indication that snail meat consumption is gaining a wide acceptance. procedure of Processing Snail meat for export must be processed with great care so as to increase its marketability. Below are the procedures that must be followed for processing sn

AGROWORLD

Search This Blog