By Faridat Salifu
A South African researcher has developed an innovative poultry feed ingredient that could reduce production costs without compromising meat quality.
Phethile Emmelina Mabuza, an MSc graduate in Animal Science from North-West University, recently explored the use of camelthorn pods fermented with oyster mushrooms as a replacement for wheat bran in broiler diets.
Her study, which tested the feed on 400 Ross 308 broiler chicks, showed that up to 10% of wheat bran could be replaced with the fermented pods without affecting growth performance or carcass traits.
The results revealed improved feed intake, higher gizzard weights, and enhanced fat and ash content in breast meat. The diet also boosted immune competence, lipase activity, and monounsaturated fatty acid levels, contributing to better nutritional quality.
Mabuza said the research was inspired by the need to help rural farmers reduce feed costs using locally available resources. She noted that camelthorn pods are abundant in many South African communities and can be processed to benefit poultry production.
