Valorization of Tomato Processing By-Products in Livestock Feed: Nutritional Value and Inclusion Rates

This study evaluated the effects of substituting corn with tomato byproducts (TBP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old "Isa F15" chicks (average initial weight: 352g) were randomly allocated to four groups (50 birds/group) with different TBP inclusion levels (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) over a 48-day trial period.Significant reductions (p<0.05) in live weight, average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake at 20% and 30% inclusion.Higher feed conversion ratios (FCR) at elevated levels (2.45 and 2.33 for 20% and 30% respectively).The 10% substitution group showed acceptable performance (final weight: 2206g; ADG: 61.46 g/day; FCR: 2.57).High inclusion (20%) negatively affected carcass yield, no significant impact on meat quality parameters.In conclusion, While 10% tomato byproduct substitution proved nutritionally viable, higher inclusion levels (20%) significantly impaired broiler productivity.These findings suggest a practical upper limit for (TBP) utilization in broiler diets without performance compromise.