Protein from preprocessed waste activated sludge as a nutritional supplement in chicken feed

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Sustainable Feed Development
• Waste Valorization

Background:

• Traditional feed supplements like fishmeal face sustainability challenges.
• Waste activated sludge (WAS) is a potential source of protein for animal feed.
• Preprocessing waste activated sludge (pWAS) is necessary for its safe and effective use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of single cell protein from pWAS as a fishmeal substitute in broiler chicken diets.
• To assess the impact of pWAS on broiler growth rate, mortality, and feed conversion efficiency.
• To analyze the cost-effectiveness of using pWAS in poultry feed.

Main Methods:

• Five dietary groups of broiler chickens (40 per group) were fed diets with varying pWAS to fishmeal ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, 100:0).
• Growth rate, mortality rate, and feed conversion efficiency (ηє) were monitored over a 45-day period.
• Cost analyses were conducted for initial and operational expenses.

Main Results:

• Chickens fed pWAS exhibited a 19% greater weight gain compared to those fed fishmeal over 45 days.
• Diets incorporating pWAS resulted in a 46% cost saving.
• No adverse effects on bird health were observed, with minimal death losses.

Conclusions:

• Single cell protein from pWAS can successfully replace fishmeal in broiler diets.
• pWAS offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative feed ingredient for poultry.
• The use of pWAS promotes efficient growth and reduces feed costs in broiler production.