Potential of Pyrethrum Marc as a Feed Resource for Poultry

Abstract

A study was conducted at Egerton University's poultry unit to evaluate and determine the potential of pymarc as a feed for poultry were evaluated in using a completely randomised experimental five treatments inclusion levels of pymarc. Substitution levels, on weight basis, for 10,20,30 and 40% commercial layers' meal with pymarc were compared with layers mash on chemical composition and bid performance. Sixty ISA Brownegger hens aged about one year and in post-peak lay were used in this study. Feed intakes, egg production, egg weights and feed conversion rates (FeR) were determined. Inclusion of pymarc in the commercial layer rations at higher than 10% level, significantly (P < 0.05) depressed feed intake of hens. The % hen day egg production was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by inclusion of pymarc at the levels investigated. On the other hand, egg weight was not affected (P > 0.05) by inclusion of pymarc to replace commercial layers' meal. Feed conversion rates were significantly (P < 0.05) poorer with rations containing pymarc. It is concluded that pymarc as a feed resource in poultry rations can only be used at very low inclusion levels, less than 10%.