Palm Kernel Polysaccharides as a Feed Additive for Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The use of NaOH as a solvent to extract polysaccharides from the palm family has been widely reported. This polysaccharide is believed to be mannose based that is potential as a feed additive in broiler diet. A study was conducted to determine the use of polysaccharides extracted from palm kernel meal (PKM) with different concentrations of NaOH in a broiler diet. A total of 140 unsexed broiler chicks was used in this study. The birds were kept in cages for 6 weeks. Feed and water were available at all times. Seven different treatment diets were control diet (T-0), control+0.025% PKM polysaccharides extracted with 10% NaOH (T-1), control+0.05% PKM polysaccharides extracted with 10% NaOH (T-2), control+0.025% PKM polysaccharides extracted with 20% NaOH (T-3), control+0.05% PKM polysaccharides extracted with 20% NaOH (T-4), control+0.025% PKM polysaccharides extracted with 30% NaOH (T-5) and control+0.05% PKM polysaccharides extracted with 30% NaOH. A completely randomized design was used with seven treatments and four replicate cages. Differences among treatments found were tested with Tukey test. The results indicated that PKM extracted with 10, 20 and 30% NaOH contained 39.8, 34.1 and 28.4% polysaccharides, respectively. The birds fed the 0.025% PKM polysaccharides extracted with 20% NaOH had better feed conversion ratio, dry matter and protein digestibilities. In conclusion, palm kernel polysaccharides could replace the use of antibiotic growth promotant (avilamycin) in the diet to promote boiler performance.