Effect of groundnut cake substitution by glandless cottonseed kernels on broilers production: animal performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition of muscle and fat

摘要

A study has been conducted with broilers to assess, during the rainy season, the effects ofgroundnut cake substitution by glandless Cottonseed Kernel (CSK), at levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75%. The substitution improved linearly feed intake and animal growth, as well as carcass component weights and allometric parameters. The CSK increased the C18:2 n-6 to C18:1 n-9 ratio, as well in diet as in meat and subcutaneous fat. In order to explain the observed performances, the possibility is considered that broilers used preferentially C18:2 n-6 fatty acids for their metabolism. Complete glandless cottonseed kernels are probably highly valuable for broilers production in warm and wet conditions.