Research notes: The effect of different levels of palm kernel meal in layer diets

Palm kernel meal (PKM), a by-product from the African Palm oil industry that is extensively cultivated in tropical countries, is an interesting feed ingredient for poultry due to its availability and low cost. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of different levels of PKM in layer diets. This particular PKM contained 9.70% crude protein, 0.20% methionine, 0.36% lysine, and a TMEn value of 2,254 kcal/kg. A control diet based on corn and soybean meal and five different levels of PKM added to it were fed to Single Comb White Leghorn hens from 18 to 38 wk of age. The PKM levels were 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%. The hens were housed three per cage (30.5 cm wide x 45.7 cm deep). The six treatments were assigned randomly to three contiguous cages in each of eight rows in a randomized complete block design. Egg production was recorded daily, and feed consumption for an entire week was recorded every 21 d. Egg weight and specific gravity were recorded for 3 consecutive d every 21 d. Mortality was recorded daily. Results show that egg production was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) only with 50% PKM in the diet. Feed conversion was not affected by any level of PKM. Specific gravity was slightly but significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by all levels of added PKM. Feed consumption, mortality, and egg weight did not differ significantly among the treatments. We concluded that this particular PKM may be used up to 40% in the diet, taking into account that specific gravity may be slightly decreased.