Recycling nutrients: evaluating the use of hatchery discarded whole egg meal in boiler chicken diets

Abstract Purpose To strengthen global food security emphasis should be given to the reuse, recycling and recovery of nutrients from various livestock industries. This study investigated the impact of hatchery-discarded whole egg meal (HDWEM) on the growth performance and health status of broiler chickens, with the aim of recycling nutrients. Methods HDWEM was prepared by drying (65°C for 48 h) and grinding of hatchery discarded eggs. Two hundred one-day-old chicks were assigned in a completely randomized design to five dietary treatments having 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% HDWEM. Results HDWEM contained about 34.1% crude protein, 26.5% ether extract and 18.1 MJ/kg gross energy, with 16 ppb of aflatoxin and no crude fiber or microbial contamination. The results demonstrated significant linear and quadratic improvements in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient utilization with the inclusion of HDWEM. Conclusion Incorporating 5% HDWEM by replacing soybean meal (up to 14%) in broiler diets supports environmentally and economically sustainable broiler production.