Fermented Chicken Feather as a Sustainable Feed Ingredient: Effects on Broiler Chick Health and Growth

Abstract

The global poultry industry is expected to surge due to rising population dynamics and shifting dietary preferences. This study evaluated the impact of fermented chicken feathers as a feed additive on healthy broiler chicks. Using in vivo techniques, researchers assessed the effects of fermented feeds on broiler chicks, utilizing Lactobacillus acidophilus strain DSN20079 (LADSM) as the fermenter. Results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in body weight of test chicks fed with mixed fermented feed, from 170g in week 1 to 1780g in week 6. Organ weights, including liver, kidney, lungs, and heart, also increased. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) varied:  week 1: Test group FCR (2.471) was higher than control;  weeks 2-4: Control group FCR was higher than test group; weeks 5-6: Test group FCR surpassed control group. Blood indices revealed  increased counts of WBC, RBC, PLT, basophil, and lymphocyte, and reduced counts of neutrophils, monocyte, and eosinophil. The study concluded that fermented chicken feather meal significantly improved growth performance in broiler chicks, making it a viable additive for healthy broiler chicks. Similar studies have shown that two-stage fermented feather meal can enhance growth performance and amino acid digestibility in broilers.