Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Casimiroa (Casimiroa edulis L) Seed Kernel Meal on Growth Performances, Carcass Yield and Profitability of Broilers Chicken

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of casimiroa seed kernel (CSK) meal on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and profitability of broiler chickens for 42 days. A total of 192 Cobb-500 chicks were randomly assigned into four treatments with four replicates of 12 chicks each. Rations consisted CSK meals at 0% (T1-control), 1.5% (T2), 3% (T3), and 4.5% (T4) were formulated. The crude protein and metabolizable energy content of CSK meal were 12.48% and 3571.26 kcal/kg, respectively. During the starter phase, broilers fed T3 exhibited a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05) than those on T4. They achieved a better (P < 0.05) FCR than those on T4, T2, and T1 diets during the finisher phase and entire period. Furthermore, chickens fed T3 showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) body weight changes, final body weight, and average daily gain than T4. Moreover, percentages of carcass, thigh, and breasts were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for T3 than T1 and T4. Weights of the liver and heart were highest (P < 0.05) for T4 compared to T1, T2, and T3. Lung and small intestine weights were higher for T2 and T3. However, abdominal fat weight significantly decreased with increasing level of CSK. Females had significantly higher (P < 0.05) fat weights than males. Total feed cost decreased with increasing levels of CSK meal. The highest net return was recorded in T3, followed by T2 and T1. Based on evaluated production parameters, it is advisable to incorporate underutilized CSK meal up to 3% in broiler rations to boost performance and profitability.