Partially Fermented African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Meal on Laying Performance, Blood Profile, Carcass Characteristics and Economic Efficiency of Layer Chickens

Abstract

Incorporating African locust bean seed meal in the diet of layer chickens has been shown to improve their laying performance, blood profile, and carcass characteristics, while also promoting sustainable agriculture. This nutrient-rich ingredient can be a cost-effective alternative to conventional feed resources, improving the economic efficiency of poultry production. A nine (9) months feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of partially fermented African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) meal (PFPBM) on the egg laying performance, egg quality, blood profile, carcass characteristics and economic efficiency of feed in Lohmann Brown strain layer chickens (17-weeks old). The study was conducted at the Poultry Section of the Department of Animal Science Education at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana. The present study employed a completely randomized design to investigate the effects of dietary treatments on the nutrition of layer birds. Five distinct diets were formulated, with varying levels of PFPBM. The control diet contained no PFPBM, whereas the other diets included PFPBM at concentrations of 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%. Each dietary treatment consisted of 60 birds, with three replicates of 20 birds randomly assigned to each diet. The experimental birds were provided with ad libitum access to clean water and feed. The study concluded that egg weight was heavier (P < 0.05) in birds fed 0% and 7% PFPBM. Dietary PFPBM did not influence (P > 0.05) external egg characteristics except shell thickness which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for birds fed 9% PFPBM. Yolk colour score was higher (P < 0.05) for eggs of birds fed 0%, 3% and 7% PFPBM. Albumen height and Haugh unit were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for birds fed 7% and 9% PFPBM. Hen - day egg production of birds fed 9% PFPBM (71.80%) was higher (P < 0.05) but decreased to 67.90% for hen-housed egg production which was insignificant (P >0.05) to other treatments except birds kept on 5% PFPBM. The haematological and biochemical responses were similar except packed cells volume, serum albumin and cholesterol levels which were better (P < 0.05) at 3%, 9% and 7% PFPBM. Dressed percentage was similar (P > 0.05) for birds fed 0%, 3% and 9% PFPBM. Net revenue per capita increased with increasing levels of PFPBM (GH₵ 22.29, GH₵ 20.03, GH₵ 20.26, GH₵ 24.45 and GH₵ 24.98 respectively for 0%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% PFPBM). The study concluded that PFPBM can be used as a non-conventional feed ingredient in layer chicken diets to potentially enhance various aspects of production, including laying performance, egg quality, haematological and biochemical indices, as well as carcass characteristics. These positive effects could contribute to maximizing profits in commercial egg production enterprises, indicating the potential value of incorporating PFPBM into layer chicken feed formulations.