Composition and phosphorus bioavailability of a solid by-product from anaerobically digested waste from caged layer...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Engineering
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Poultry waste management presents environmental challenges.
• Digester by-products offer potential for nutrient recovery and resource utilization.
• Developing sustainable feed supplements is crucial for the poultry industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a solid by-product (SBP) from a poultry waste digester as a feed supplement for broiler chickens.
• To determine the chemical composition and biological availability of phosphorus (P) in the SBP.
• To assess the impact of SBP on broiler growth, feed intake, and bone mineralization.

Main Methods:

• A solid by-product (SBP) was recovered from a poultry waste digester and chemically analyzed.
• The biological availability of phosphorus in SBP was determined using a slope ratio assay with femur bone ash as the criterion.
• Broiler diets were supplemented with graded levels of SBP and standard available phosphorus (AP).

Main Results:

• The phosphorus (P) in SBP was found to be 90% available to broiler chicks.
• SBP supplementation did not negatively affect body weight gain, feed consumption, or feed conversion ratio at similar AP levels.
• Femur bone ash levels were not improved by SBP in diets already adequate in AP, indicating no antagonistic effects.

Conclusions:

• The solid by-product (SBP) from poultry waste digesters is a safe and effective feed supplement for broilers.
• SBP provides valuable phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and total minerals, contributing to broiler nutrition.
• Utilizing SBP offers a sustainable approach to poultry waste management and nutrient recycling.