Utilization of mushroom waste as non-conventional feed additive in broiler chicken

A study of 42 days was conducted to investigate the effect of mushroom waste (MW) on performance, carcass traits and economics of broiler chicken. The Cobb broiler chicks (n=240) were randomly assigned to five groups having four replicates of 12 birds each. Birds in control group (T1) were fed the basal diet as per BIS specifications to meet their nutrient requirements, whereas basal diet was fortified with MW @ 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% in T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The results indicated a non-significant (p>0.05) linear increase in the body weight gain and FCR of broiler chicken over control with increase in the level of mushroom fortified groups. No significant (p>0.05) effect was found in feed consumption of birds among various treatment groups. Non-significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in carcass traits between control and mushroom fortified groups. The profitability increased with mushroom fortification over control group with highest returns in the group fed 2% MW in the diet. It was concluded that 2% MW addition in broiler chicken improved the performance and profitability of a broiler enterprise.