Ngouana Tadjong Ruben^1,, Kana Jean Raphaël², Mube Kuietche Hervé², Leng Tchang Brice², Edie Nounamo LangstonWilfried², Teguia Alexis²

This study was designed to assess the effect of the incorporation level of artisanal and industrial palm kernel meal as protein source in broilers diet at the finishing phase. A control ration without palm kernel meal was formulated with soybean meal as the main protein source. Three other rations were obtained from the control ration by substituting 50, 75 and 100% soybean meal with artisanal or industrial palm kernel meal. Each experimental rations were randomly assigned to 112 chicks in a completely randomized design. The main results revealed that feed intake decreased significantly (p <0.05) with increasing levels of palm kernel meal regardless of the type palm kernel meal. The highest growth performances were recorded with the ration containing 50% of artisanal palm kernel meal compared to all other treatments including the control. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased by 35% with 100% industrial palm kernel meal (3.08) compared to the ration containing 50% of artisanal meal (1.92). Carcass yields and the relative weight of organs were not affected (p>0.05) by the incorporation levels irrespective of the type of palm kernel meal in the ration. Increasing the level of artisanal or industrial palm kernel meal in the ration tends to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol contents in the serum. It was concluded that both the artisanal and industrial palm kernel meal can advantageously replace 50% soybean meal in broiler chicken’s ration.

broilers, palm kernel meal, plant protein, serological profile, soybean meal