[Evaluation of coffee pulp as a possible substitute for corn in poultry rations]

A study was conducted to determine the possibility of using coffee pulp as an ingredient of chick rations. Another objective of the study was to evaluate the biological effect of adding sodium metabisulfite on the nitritive value of the agricultural by-product. Fifteen day-old chicks were fed rations containing 10, 20 and 30% coffee pulp, untreated and treated with 1 and 2% solutions of sodium metabisulfite. After three weeks on these rations, the animals were switched to one containing 30% coffee pulp, for five weeks. Results of the first experimental period showed a negative effect of coffee pulp on weight gain, feed conversion and water consumption on a water intake/weight basis. Apparently, treatment of coffee pulp with a 2% solution of sodium metabisulfite improved the above parameters but without reaching those attained by the control ration. In the second part of the study, the groups fed 30% coffee pulp, with and without metabisulfite treatment, gained less weight and showed lower feed conversion efficiencies than the control group. An interesting fact was the absence of mortality even in those groups fed 30% coffee pulp in the first part of the study. From these data it is concluded that coffee pulp at levels of 10% can be used with no problem in chick rations. It is necessary, however, to carry out additional studies before recommending the use of this by-product in poultry rations.