Evaluation of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) pulp as feed ingredient for broiler

Cassava pulp is a solid waste that is produced as a byproduct of starch production in tropical regions. This product still contains high levels of starch, and constitutes a serious environmental concern as a disposal. Cassava pulp can be used as feed for poultry by enriching the protein content (CP). Cassava pulp was added with 3% urea and 2.5% zeolite (clinoptilolite) and was fermented by Aspergillus niger for six days. Due to CP and crude fiber concentration, it was formed good in quality. Fermented cassava pulp-urea-zeolite had the lowest true metabolized energy compared with rice bran and unfermented cassava pulp (2,524 kcal/kg vs. 3,310 and 2,959 kcal/kg, respectively). However, this product had the highest efficiency of protein utilization (72% vs. 39 and 41%, respectively). Broilers were fed diets containing 0, 5, 10, or 15% fermented cassava pulp-urea-zeolite with a commercial diet used for comparison ratio. All treatment diets had no significant effect on the body weight gain, feed conversion, yield of carcass, internal organs and abdominal fat as compared with broiler fed with commercial diet. Results suggest that fermented cassava pulp-urea-zeolite can successfully constitute up to 15% of the diet of broilers without causing health problem.