Abstract:
The study was conducted to investigate the effect of sunflower (Helianths annuus L.) oil meal (SFM) as a substitute for soybean meal in broiler rations with or without multienzyme (Kemzyme). One hundred and eighty day old broiler (Hubbard) chicks were employed for the study using completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. The experiment was conducted in two phases, starter (0-4 weeks) and finisher phase (5-6 weeks). Six different isonitrogenous & isoaloric experimental rations were prepared following NRC requirements with three levels 5, 10 and 15% of SFM without kemzyme supplementation, designated as A, B and C and with kemzyme (500 g/ton) as D, E and F for starter phase. Six corresponding finisher rations designated as A, B, C, D, E and F were used during the finisher phase. The compiled data (starter cum finisher phases) revealed non significant differences in terms of weight gain due to SFM levels or kemzyme addition. The feed consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in birds fed diets containing kemzyme, but the overall feed efficiency was significantly better without kemzyme. The addition of kemzyme significantly (P < 0.05) improved the dressing precentage of the birds using rations containing 5% SFM. However, the lowest level (5%) of SFM used in the rations without kemzyme proved to be the most economical and the best in terms of feed efficiency values. The differences in liver, gizzard, heart, pancreas and spleen weights were found to be non significant among all the treatment groups.
