Effect of Dietary Supplementation With Tomato By-Products on Zootechnical Performance and Biochemical Parameters in Broilers (<i>Gallus gallus</i>)

In Morocco, tomatoes are one of the most produced crops, and the processing industry generates a significant quantity of by-products rich in bioactive compounds that are often undervalued. Therefore, this study sought to valorize these by-products by evaluating the effect of dietary supplementation with tomato by-products on the zootechnical performance and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus). A total of 250 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were randomized and assigned to 10 groups receiving industrial poultry feed supplemented with tomato by-products at 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w) during different growth stages (beginning and/or growth) over 40 days. A control group was maintained on the standard diets without additions. Supplementation with tomato by-products affected various parameters depending on the supplementation percentage and stage. Specifically, compared to meat from control group, meat from experimental groups exhibited statistically significant increases in ash content (1.34±0.13 to 1.59±0.18 vs. 1.21±0.11 g/100 g; mean ± SD) and statistically significant decreases in protein content (17.36±0.52 to 21.78±0.84 vs. 22.84±1.08 g/100 g). Additionally, statistically significant improvements in colour differences were observed in meat from experimental groups. Furthermore, chicks maintained on feed supplemented with 5% by-products at the beginning stage demonstrated enhanced zootechnical performance (compared to the control), as evidenced by statistically significant potentiation of Live Weights, Average Daily Gain, and the Consumption Index. Thus, dietary supplementation with tomato by-products positively influenced zootechnical performance and most biochemical parameters of chicken meat, except for protein content. These findings suggest that tomato by-products can serve as a cost-effective supplement.