Prospects for the utilisation of cocoyam corm meal in poultry feeding

Abstract

Context The increasing demand for maize for human food and industrial uses has stimulated research interest into alternative low value crops as energy sources for poultry. Several high yielding species of aroids, commonly known as taro or cocoyam, are currently in less demand for food or industrial uses and readily available for poultry feeding. Aims To review the production, nutritional profile and antinutritional factor and current uses of cocoyam corm and the effect of processing on its utilisation in poultry feeding. Key findings The nutritional profile of cocoyam with protein content comparable or higher than maize, high starch content and starch digestibility make it a suitable energy ingredient for poultry. The major issues affecting the utilisation of cocoyam include the high moisture and low dry matter contents and the presence of antinutritional factors, mainly calcium oxalate. These constraints may preclude the utilisation of cocoyam corm in commercial diets but it could be used to reduce the cost of production on small-holder farms. Conclusion With adequate processing and proper diet formulation, cocoyam corm meal may be fed up to 280 g/kg diet but unprocessed meal may exert adverse effects on poultry performance even as low as 44 g/kg. Several animal factors including age, species and type of bird (meat or egg) affect the utilisation of cocoyam corm meal by poultry. Implications Reduction of cost of animal protein production and value addition to underutilised aroids. More research is needed into animal factors and feed processing that would allow optimum utilisation of the corm by poultry.