Challenzyme Supplementation of High Expeller Copra Meal in Corn-animal Protein Diets for Broilers: Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Traits

A five-week experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Challenzyme supplementation of expeller copra meal (ECM) fed in corn-animal protein-based diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass and gut measurements of broilers. A total of 168, 9 days old Cobb 500 broilers were assigned to 8 diets consisting of 2 controls (with and without enzyme) and 6 other diets consisting 150, 300 and 450 g/kg ECM levels (with and without enzyme), were fed in three replicates of 6 birds each in a completely randomized design. Results showed significant interactions effects on growth parameters and fat digestibility. Feed intake and weight gain were reduced on 300 and 450 g/kg ECM diets (P<0.05). Fat digestibility was improved on control and 300 g/kg ECM diets with enzyme (P<0.05). Carcass measurements were not affected by dietary treatments (P>0.05). In the main effects, feed intake and weight gain were reduced and feed conversion ratio increased with increasing level of ECM above 150 g/kg (P<0.05). Enzyme supplementation improved crude fibre and fat digestibility of broilers (P<0.05). In conclusion, 300 g/kg dietary ECM with enzyme inclusion has no detrimental effects on growth of finishing broilers. More research into enzyme source and concentration above 300 g/kg ECM is recommended.