Production Performance and Visceral Organ Weights in Broiler (Gallus domesticus) Fed with Home Made Ration Supplemented with Different Levels of Palm Kernel Meal and Commercial Multi-enzyme

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding homemade rations supplemented with varying levels of Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) and Commercial Multi-enzyme (CME) on the growth performance and organ weights of broiler chickens. 135-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatment combinations in a 3x3 factorial design, with factor A (PKM at 0%, 5%, and 10%) and factor B (CME at 0%, 0.2%, and 0.4%). Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance for a Complete Randomized Design (CRD), followed by Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test. Results revealed no (p<0.05) significant differences in growth performance across treatments, indicating that the inclusion of PKM and CME in homemade rations does not affect growth parameters. However, a significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in the weight of the heart. Treatment 3 (0% PKM, 0.4% CME) had a significantly lower heart weight (5.23 g) compared to Treatment 1 (0% PKM, 0% CME) at 5.87 g and Treatment 5 (5% PKM, 0.2% CME) at 5.76 g. These results suggests that higher levels of CME may influence heart weight. Other visceral organ weights showed no significant differences (p<0.05). These findings indicate that homemade rations with PKM and CME can be effectively used in broiler production without compromising growth.