Evaluating the effect of replacing conventional feed with cereal-based solid food waste on physicochemical composition and fatty acid profile of cobb500 broiler meat

Abstract The study examined the implications of substituting conventional cobb500 broiler feed with dried cereal-origin solid food waste (DCOSFW). It emphasized the nutritional, economic and environmental benefits of utilizing non-conventional poultry feed. A factorial experimental design was employed to assess the physicochemical properties and fatty acid profiles of meat from broilers fed varying percentages of DCOSFW (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%) in both grower and finisher diets. Key findings revealed significant variations in protein content, ranging from 19.79 to 23.72 g/100 g, and fat content from 1.4 to 2.14 g/100 g in the biceps femoris muscle of birds fed 8% DCOSFW (T2). Lipid content varied between 1.73% and 1.96% in males and 1.04% to 2.35% in females. The breast muscle exhibited notable differences in fatty acid composition, with linoleic acid percentages between 29.5% and 34.8%, arachidonic acid from 2.5% to 4.5%, monounsaturated fatty acids ranging from 24.5% to 27.4%, omega-6 fatty acids at 34.69% to 38.98%, omega-3 at 1.48% to 3.44%, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) between 36.7% and 40.8%. Additionally, the PUFA to saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratios varied from 0.98 to 1.29. These results suggest that replacing up to 20% of maize grain with DCOSFW can positively influence the physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid profiles of broiler meat, advocating for its adoption as a sustainable feed alternative, particularly in Ethiopian poultry production.