Vol. 10, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

Author(s): Gichungu Dennis Kigiri, Kingori Anthony Macharia and Wachira Ann Mumbi

Abstract: There exists competition between man and non-ruminants on cereals. Prosopis juliflora pods can serve as a substitute feed source in making poultry diets. Prosopis juliflora pods have quality nutrients with a crude protein of 11.4-22% and metabolizable energy of 12.5MJ/Kg. However, Prosopis juliflora pods have high fiber content as well as other anti-nutritive factors including non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and phytic acid. At the Center of Excellence in Livestock Innovation and Business (COELIB), Tatton Agriculture Park, Egerton University, a study was carried out at the poultry research unit. To assess the impact of enzyme inclusion in mature milled proposis juliflora pods based diets on conduct of indigenous chicken layers. Egg quality was assessed where both internal and external qualities were evaluated. Economics of production was calculated using gross margins, egg price ratio and breakeven analysis. The results of this study showed that substituting prosopis juliflora pods for maize in the enzyme-integrated layer diet did not significantly alter the quality of the eggs, with the exception of yolk color, and that doing so can lower the cost of layers feed by up to eighteen percent.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i2c.2067