Effects of poultry offal meals produced by adding dissolved air flotation sludge to feeds on broiler field performance

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the effects of using poultry offal meal (POM) produced in rendering plants by adding dissolved air flotation sludge (DAFS) at set ratios into broiler grower and finisher feeds. The experiment conducted within the scope of the study lasted six weeks and involved 12,000 broiler chicks from Ross 308 strain middle-aged (36 weeks) breeders. Twelve different treatments were used in grower feed with 2 or 3% POM and finisher and pre-slaughter feeds with 4 or 5% POM produced by adding DAFS at 0, 11, and 22%, respectively. A downward trend was observed in average live weight (ALW), daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) values among the treatment groups, some of which were significant (P<0.05), as the usage rates of POM and DAFS increased. The treatment groups fed POM without DAFS in 2% grower and 5% finisher feeds had significantly higher ALW and EPEF values and significantly lower FCR values than the group fed POM at 22.0% in 3% grower and 5% finisher feeds (P<0.05). However, the mortality value remained unchanged according to the POM and DAFS usage rates (P>0.05). As a result, POM may be used in broiler feeds without significantly affecting ALW, DWG, FC, FCR, EPEF, and mortality values. However, if DAFS is used in POM production, attention should be paid to DAFS content, since exceeding certain levels may cause a downgrade in ALW, FCR, and EPEF values.