Effect of Partial Replacement of Soybean Meal (Glycine max L. Merr, 1917) by Cashew Nut Meal (Anacardium occidentale L., 1753) on the Zootechnical and Economic Performances of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Background and Objective: In Burkina Faso, fluctuations in the availability and cost of soybean meal constitute major constraints for poultry farmers, particularly during certain periods of the year. This study therefore sought to identify alternative locally available protein sources capable of replacing soybean meal while sustaining or enhancing the production performance of broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: The experiment followed a completely randomized block design comprising three dietary treatments with three replications, conducted in a henhouse partitioned into nine pens. A total of 225 one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three diets: A control diet Containing Soybean Meal (RSM), a diet containing 2% cashew nut meal (RCNM-2%) and a diet containing 2.5% cashew nut meal (RCNM-2.5%).

Results: Soybean meal exhibited a higher Total Nitrogen Matter (TNM) content (43%) compared with cashew nut meal (13.48%). Experimental results showed that birds fed the RSM diet had a significantly higher mean live weight (1,322.67±168.33 g) than those receiving RCNM-2% (1,169.00±177.25 g) and RCNM-2.5% (1,235.46±171.00 g). However, during the starter phase, the performance of birds fed RCNM-2.5% was statistically comparable to that of birds fed the RSM diet.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that cashew nut meal can partially substitute soybean meal in broiler diets, particularly during the starter phase.