NM 23. Use of sweet potato root meal (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) as energy source in broiler feed rations

Abstract

The use of sweet potato has been suggested as a alternative source of energy in the formulation of diets for animals. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the effect of substitution of corn meal (HM) for sweet potato meal (HRB) in chicken broilers feed rations. In order to achieve this, one hundred twenty hybrid comercial Arbor Acres birds (one week age) were used. They were distributed in five levels of energy substitution of HM for HRB (0; 25; 50; 75 y 100 %). Variables evaluated were feed intake in six weeks (C), liveweight gain in six weeks (PV), feed conversion (CA), carcass deadweight (PC) and carcass yield (RC). The statiscal design used was completely randomized with four repetitions for every level making up a total of twenty four groups, each one made up of six baby chicken. No significant differences were observed only for C (P > .05). Significant differerences were found on PV (P<.001) (2 017, 1 883, 1 732, 1679 and 1 664 g), CA (P<.05) (2.18, 2.29, 2.48, 2.59 and 2.68), PC (P<.01) (1 533, 1 352, 1 270, 1 185 and 1 198) and RC (P<.05) (74.43, 71.65, 73.07, 72.33 and 70.58 %) for levels of energy susbstitution HM for HRB de 0; 25; 50; 75 y 100 %, respectively. These results suggest no detrimental effect substitution of 25 % HRB for HM or inclusion of 17 % of HRB in diet for broiler can be used.