The utilization of Palm kernel meal in laying hen diet

A study was carried out on layers (n=216) to evaluate the utilization of palm kernel meal (PKM) in diets at 0, 3.5, 7.5, 11.25 and 15.0% to replace de-oiled rice bran (DORB) by 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, either alone or in combination with enzymes in nine dietary treatments for 10 laying periods of 28 days each in cages. The performance of layers in terms of hen-day egg production and feed efficiency were influenced significantly (P<0.01) whereas feed intake, body weights and mortality were not affected by the inclusion of PKM in the diets upto 15% with or without enzymes supplementation. Furthermore, the egg weight, shell thickness, albumen index, yolk index, Haugh unit, total serum protein, serum alkaline phosphatase and antibody titres for Newcastle disease were not affected. The income over feed cost per dozen eggs was higher in layers fed ration containing PKM at 7.5% along with enzymes than all other treatments. Based on the overall performance of layers, the PKM can be used at 11.25% and 15% without and with enzymes respectively by replacing de-oiled rice bran in layer diets.