Effects of the incorporation of the apricot kernel meal into broiler diets on growth performance

Effects of the incorporation of the apricot kernel meal into broiler diets on growth performance The study aims to evaluate the effects of the non-detoxified apricot kernel meal incorporated to the broiler diets on growth performance. A total of 200 one day old F15 broiler chickens was randomly divided into 4 equal groups according to the substitution rate of soybean meal with the apricot kernel meal (0%, 20%, 40% and 60%) for 48 days. No mortality was observed in any groups. Whereas the consumption index was significantly increased, the body weights, Weight gains and food intakes were significantly diminished and proportionally to the substitution rates in birds receiving diets substituted with 40% or 60% kernel meal during starting, growing and finishing periods. For a substitution rate of 20%, the parameters were significantly altered only for the first 10 days. These results show that the incorporation of the apricot kernel meal up to 20% into the broiler diets significantly delays growth probably because of HCN and suggest testing detoxified kernel meals on broiler growth.