Growth, Carcass and Gut Morphology of Broiler Finisher Chickens Fed Raw and Processed Soybean Seed Meal

This study evaluated the effects of inclusion of raw, toasted and cooked (boiling) soybean seed meal at 20% in the ration of broiler finisher chickens on the growth, carcass and gut morphology in a four-week feeding trial. The results showed that feed intake, weight gain and feed:gain ratio of broilers fed 20% Cooked soybean seed meal were similar (p>0.05) to the Control group. However, they differed significantly (p<0.05) from broilers fed 20% raw or toasted soybean seed meal. The dressed weight and gizzard were similar (p>0.05) between birds fed on 20% cooked soybean seed meal and the control group, but, they differed significantly (p<0.05) from broilers on 20% raw and 20% toasted soybean seed meal. Higher (p<0.05) liver weights were observed in broilers fed on 20% raw and 20% toasted soybean seed meal. The gut morphology parameters were similar (p>0.05) between broilers fed on 20% cooked and control group, but they differed significantly (p<0.05) from broilers fed on 20% raw and 20% toasted soybean seed meal. However, the Colo-Rectum length and Colo-Rectum width were similar (p>0.0.5) between the treatment groups. The results obtained in broilers fed on 20% cooked soybean seed meal confirmed the superiority of the diet over those with 20% raw and toasted soybean seed meal. Cooking (boiling) soybean seed improved the palatability and efficiency of nutrient utilization of the seed meal.