The effect of low soybean meal diets on broiler performance

Abstract

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the performance of low soybean meal diets in broiler chicks. Methods: A total of 330 broiler chicks were divided into three groups. Each group was treated with one type of diet (group 1=control [soybean], group 2=crushed peas, and group 3=faba bean). The proportion of crude protein (CP) for the control group was 20.45% as a starter and 19.75% to 17.66% as a grower and finisher. The CP values for group 2 were 17.45% as a starter and 16.95% to 15.46% as a grower and finisher. While chicks of group 3 received 17.75% CP as a starter and 17.23% to 15.68% CP as grower and finisher. Data obtained were expressed as mean±SEM. The results obtained were analyzed using the ANOVA Test, by Minitab 2015 statistical analysis software. P-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain was obtained in the faba bean group (2744.72 g ±217) than control (2430.50 g ±593.8). No significant difference was noticed in the consumption of different diets. The carcass yield of control (70.10%) and faba beans (70.32%) groups were comparable. Concerning the biochemical parameters, we found that the partial change of soybean did not affect the biochemical profile, except for the significant variation of blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides between the control and group 2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Faba beans as a locally available source of protein could be a potential alternative to substitute soybean meal in the broiler diet.