Utilization of decorticated cottonseed meal with or without protease in diets of broiler chicken

The present study was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of decorticated cottonseed meal (DCSM, non- detectable free-gossypol) with or without supplemental protease on the basis of growth performance, nutrient utilization and feed-cost of production in broiler chicken. Accordingly, a six weeks (0 to 6 weeks of age of broiler chickens) feeding trial was conducted following 5 × 2 factorial design involving five dietary levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of DCSM, with (0.035%) or without protease in a standard broiler chicken diet. Day-old chicks (320) were divided into 40 groups of eight birds each (replicate) and each dietary treatment was offered to four replicated groups. There was no significant difference in body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, protein and energy utilization efficiency due to levels of decorticated cottonseed meals in diets replacing soybean meal of control diet and protease supplementation. Nitrogen retention was not influenced either by cottonseed meal or by protease in diet. There was no adverse effect on cellular as well as humoral immunity on addition of cottonseed meal in diet. Addition of protease in diet did not improve the above mentioned performance parameters. Feed-cost of production decreased significantly and linearly on addition of cottonseed meal at graded levels. The present study revealed that incorporation of DCSM up to 20% level in diet, either with or without enzyme supplementation, did not affect growth performance of broiler chicken during 0–6 weeks of age. Therefore, decorticated cottonseed meal can safely and effectively be included up to 20% level without enzyme supplementation in maize-soybean based diets of broiler chickens replacing soybean meal for profitable broiler production.