THE POTENTIAL OF PALM SLUDGE AS POULTRY FEED(BROILER)

The palm oil industry, while integral to global economies, particularly in tropical regions such as Nigeria, Malaysia, and Indonesia, generates substantial byproducts, including palm oil sludge (POS). This byproduct, often regarded as waste, poses significant environmental disposal challenges. However, its potential as a valuable resource for poultry feed has garnered research interest, particularly in the context of reducing feed costs and enhancing sustainability in broiler production.This study evaluates the feasibility of utilizing POS as an alternative feed ingredient for broiler chickens. The research was conducted at the Experimental Animal House of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where four experimental diets with varying levels of POS (0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%) were formulated and fed to broiler chicks. The study's objectives were to assess the proximate composition of POS, analyze its impact on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics, and explore its microbiological quality.The results revealed that while the inclusion of up to 20% POS in broiler diets did not significantly affect growth performance, higher levels of POS led to reduced body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Microbiological analysis indicated the presence of certain bacterial and fungal species, necessitating careful processing of POS before its inclusion in broiler diets.This study demonstrates the potential of palm oil sludge as a sustainable and cost-effective feed ingredient for broilers, contributing to waste management and reducing reliance on imported feed ingredients. However, it also highlights the need for further research to optimize POS processing and inclusion levels to maximize its benefits and minimize potential drawbacks in broiler production.