Comparative Study of Artisanal and Industrial Palm Kernel Meal as a Potential Substitutes of Soybean Meal in Broiler Chickens Diet

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) 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.