Utilization of Citrus Pulp in Broiler Rations

The research aimed to study the possibility of using citrus pulp as broiler rations this could be done by detecting the effect of citrus pulp on broiler performance, weight gain, feed intake and palatability, conversion ratio, gastrointestinal tract, and visceral organs and carcass cuts. A total of 150 day-old chicks were reared for two weeks, and then 128 of the medium birds were divided into four equal weight groups with four replicates each. And were placed randomly on 16 suitable area bins and managed as commercial flocks. Dried citrus pulp (obtained by squeezing, grinding, drying and regrinding of the orange fruits) was used starting from the third week at 5, 7.5, and 10% of the feed instead of corn which was used at 15% of the control feed. Body weight of individuals and feed intake of replicates was recorded weekly till termination at end of week five. Four birds from each group was slaughtered and eviscerated, the weight of gastrointestinal tract and segments, visceral organs and carcass parts was recorded. Results showed similar chemical analysis of citrus pulp to that reported in literature, body weight gain and conversion ratio was not affected at levels 5 and 7.5%, but at 10% it was the lowest (p < 0.05). Feed intake, visceral organs, gastrointestinal tract and parts and carcass parts was not affected (p < 0.05). Citrus pulp was noticed to be palatable in all rations, especially at 5%; however it needs an adaptation period for levels more than 5%.