Abstract

One hundred and eighty (180) two weeks old cockerels were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial layout. They were used to compare the effects of two processing methods of palm kernel oil extraction (local and industrial) and three dietary levels of palm kernel meal (PKM) (0, 20 and 40%). Parameters considered were feed intake, daily weight gain, feed cost, carcass characteristics, blood constituents and nutrient metabolisms. The result showed that the cockerels on industrial PKM had a significantly (P<0.05) higher feed intake, daily weight gain and better feed conversion ratio (P<0.01) compared to the control and those on local PKM. The highest weight gain and lowest feed cost/kg weight gain was obtained for 40% PKM diets. The carcass analysis was not significantly different except for the slaughter, head and feet weight and length of small intestine. Not all these followed any particular pattern. Cockerels on industrial PKM had significantly (P<0.05) longer small intestine compared to control and local PKM diets. The blood analysis also showed a significant effect of processing method on packed cell volume, albumin and total protein in favour of industrial PKM. The nutrient metabolism study showed a significant treatment and processing method effect. The nutrient metabolism decreased with increase in PKM inclusion level. In conclusion, industrial PKM can be included up to 40% level in the cockerels’ diet with very good results.

Key words: Cockerels, processing methods, performance, nutrient utilization.