IRISH POTATO PEEL AS A MAIZE SUBSTITUTE IN BROILER CHICKEN DIETS: IMPACTS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS YIELD AND FEED COST

This study assessed the impact of partially replacing maize with graded levels of Irish potato peel meal (IPPM) on the growth performance, carcass traits, and economic efficiency of broiler chickens. Irish potato peels were collected, cleaned, sun-dried, milled, and incorporated into five experimental diets. Diet 1 served as the control with 100% maize, while Diets 2 through 5 replaced maize with IPPM at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% inclusion levels. A total of 105-day-old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were allocated to treatment groups in a completely randomized design, with three replicates per treatment and 21 birds per group. Feed and water were provided ad libitum over a 42-day feeding trial. Data collected includes feed intake, feed refusals, live weight changes, carcass weight, internal organ weights, and feed ingredient costs were recorded. During the starter phase, birds receiving diets containing 20% Irish potato peel meal (IPPM) exhibited the highest (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR), whereas those fed the control diet (0% IPPM) recorded the highest (P < 0.05) FCR during both the finisher phase and overall trial period. Notably, internal organ weights particularly of the heart, liver, and lungs were greater (P < 0.05) in the 20% IPPM group. Birds supplemented with 20% IPPM demonstrated enhanced performance and achieved the lowest feed cost per kilogram of weight gain. These results highlight the potential of IPPM as an effective and cost-efficient alternative energy source in broiler nutrition.