The influence of date seed powder feeding on broiler performance

This study was conducted during the period from October 18 to November 28, 2020 at the Animal Production Research Centre (APRC) to assess the effects of dietary inclusion of date seed powder (DSP) on the performance of broiler chickens reared for 35 days of age. Ninety broiler chicks (Arber Acres Hybrid) were used. Birds were divided into 3 equal groups (30 birds group^‑1) replicated 3 times with 10 birds per replicate and were randomly allocated to the experimental diets. Three broiler diets were formulated according to the nutrients requirements outlined by NRC (1994), diet 1 was control (0.0 DSP), diet 2 (1% DSP) and diet 3 (2% DSP). All diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly. Organoleptic test of chicken meat was conducted at the end of the experiment. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS 22 program. The results showed that the diets containing 1 and 2% DSP gave higher weight gains and better feed conversion compared to the control; however, feed intake was significantly not affected. Furthermore, broiler meat of the group fed 2% DSP showed the best sensory evaluation, regarding color, flavour, odour, juiciness, tenderness and the overall acceptability compared to the control and those fed 1% DSP. It can be concluded that adding DSP up to 2% in broiler diet will improve broiler performance and the taste of broiler meat.