Non-toxic Jatropha curcas L. residual paste as a protein supplement in poultry diets

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of non-toxic piñón mexicano (Jatropha curcas L.)residual meal as part of the protein supplement in broiler chicken feed.

Design/methodology/approach: An experimental diet was designed incorporating flour obtained from the residual paste of piñón mexicano, which was administered to a group of 20 one-day-old Cobb 550 chicks. The weight of the chickens was recorded every thirdday, and the type of feed was adjusted weekly according to their development over a period of 28 days. Another group of chicks, with the same number of individuals, characteristics, and monitoring, was fed a commercial diet for comparison purposes.

Results: The inclusion of non-toxic piñón mexicano residual meal in the broiler chicken diet resulted in performance similar to that obtained with the commercial diet.

Study limitations/implications: The scale of the experiment might affect the generalization of the results to a larger poultry population.

Findings/conclusions: Non-toxic piñón mexicano residual meal could be a viable and sustainable alternative to enrich poultry diets.