The Quality of Hydrolized Palm Kernel Meal and Its Efficacy on Laying Hens Aged 21-27 Weeks

Abstract

Indonesia has a high potential for Palm Kernel Meal (PKM). The use of PKM as animal feed has not been optimal due to several obstacles, one of which is the high non starch polysaccharide (NSP) content. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of PKM that has been given physical, chemical, and biological treatment, and evaluate its use in rations on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens. PKM treatment included filtration, hot water extraction, and the addition of mannanase enzymes. The rations were arranged based on the digested amino acid needs. 60 ISA Brown strain laying hens were used, housed in individual cages. The treatments given were commercial feed and feed containing 10% Hydrolyzed Palm Kernel (PK-H). Feeding trials were carried out for 8 weeks. The design used was a completely randomized design with 5 replications in each treatment. The results showed that the bond structure in PK-H was stretched microscopically. PK-H has improved the quality of its chemical components. The production performance of the two treatments did not show a significant difference. This study concludes that PKM processed by physical, chemical, and biological treatments improved its quality in terms of chemical and microscopic composition. The use of PK-H at a level of 10% in the ration did not reduce the performance of laying hens.