Sunflower meal as a major vegetable protein source in layers' ration

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Agricultural Economics

Background:

• Cotton seed meal (CSM) and sesame meal (SM) are common protein sources in poultry diets.
• Evaluating alternative protein ingredients is crucial for cost-effective poultry production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of dehulled sunflower meal (SFM) as a replacement for CSM and SM in layer hen diets.
• To determine the impact of SFM on egg production, feed efficiency, egg quality, and overall feed costs.

Main Methods:

• Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% dehulled SFM, replacing CSM and SM.
• Starcross layer hens (24 weeks old) were fed these experimental diets.
• Egg production, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, eggshell thickness, Haugh Units (HU), and yolk index were measured.

Main Results:

• Dietary inclusion of SFM did not significantly affect egg production, feed consumption, or feed conversion ratio.
• Egg quality parameters, including Haugh Units and yolk index, remained unaffected by SFM substitution.
• Eggshell thickness showed improvement with increasing levels of dietary SFM.
• Feed costs per hen were reduced in diets containing SFM due to its lower price compared to CSM and SM.

Conclusions:

• Dehulled sunflower meal is a viable alternative protein source for layer hens, effectively replacing CSM and SM.
• SFM inclusion can lead to enhanced eggshell quality and reduced feed costs without compromising production or internal egg quality.