Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Pretreatment of Palm Kernel Cake by Enzyme-Bacteria and Its Effects on Growth Performance in Broilers

Yue Liu; Ying Liu; Yunhe Cao; Chunlin Wang

Animals · 2025

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Summary

This study investigates the use of enzyme-bacterial pretreatment as a method to improve the nutritional value of palm kernel cake (PKC), a by-product of palm oil processing, for use in broiler diets. By degrading antinutritional factors such as mannans in PKC, the pretreatment is likely intended to enhance digestibility and nutrient availability. The paper contributes to the broader literature on valorising agro-industrial by-products as cost-effective and sustainable feed ingredients in commercial poultry production.

UK applicability

Palm kernel cake is not a commonly used feed ingredient in UK broiler production, though it is used globally as a low-cost protein and energy source. The findings may be of indirect relevance to UK poultry producers and feed formulators exploring alternative or imported feed ingredients, particularly in the context of reducing reliance on soya.

Key measures

Body weight gain (g); feed conversion ratio; average daily gain (g/day); average daily feed intake (g/day); potentially intestinal morphology and digestibility coefficients

Outcomes reported

The study measured the effects of enzyme-bacteria pretreated palm kernel cake on growth performance indices in broiler chickens, likely including body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed intake. Digestibility and nutrient utilisation of the pretreated feed ingredient were likely also assessed.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Poultry nutrition & feed ingredients
Study type
Research
Study design
Controlled feeding trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
China
System type
Poultry (broiler)
DOI
10.3390/ani15020116
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-09i

Topic tags

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