Utilization of spent hen meal in diets for broiler chickens

Studies were conducted to evaluate spent hen meal (SHM) produced in commercial rendering plants as a nutrient source in diets for broiler chickens. Utilizing previously determined nutrient composition values, including digestible amino acid and TMEn content, diets were formulated to include 0, 5, 10, and 15% of SHM from three different locations. In the first experiment, conducted in battery pens from 1 to 21 d posthatch, diets were formulated with digestible amino acid requirements set at 90, 95, or 100% of NRC (1994) total amino acid requirements. In the second experiment, conducted in floor pens from 1 to 49 d posthatch, diets were formulated with digestible amino acid requirements set at 95% of NRC (1994) total amino acid requirements. Samples of birds from the second experiment were processed to determine the possible influence of SHM inclusion on carcass yield. Results of the present studies indicate that SHM from commercial rendering facilities can be utilized in diets for growing broiler chickens provided adjustments are made in nutrient content and digestibility. When formulated on the basis of digestible amino acid content, levels of SHM up to 10% appear acceptable based upon body weight, feed conversion, bone ash, and carcass yield. Higher inclusion rates generally reduced performance. It is apparent that differences in nutritional quality may exist among products produced by different rendering facilities; however, evaluation of products to assess nutrient quality may be difficult under commercial conditions. As more information is generated regarding typical amino acid content and digestibility of rendered SHM, the product may be used with greater confidence in commercial diets.