Characterization of Biomass Waste as a Chicken Feed Potential

The increasing demand for ingredients like soybeans and corn for chicken feed can lead to higher global prices. Malaysia possesses abundance of agricultural biomass waste namely peanut shells, palm kernel cake, banana peels, and coconut husks, which remains largely untapped. This study aims to produce chicken feed from four types of biomass waste: coconut husks, soybean waste, banana peels, and palm kernel expeller, using four different waste ratios. Nutrient analysis were conducted on the produced chicken feed to determine protein, fiber, ash, moisture, fat, carbohydrate, and energy content. Subsequently, the four mixtures was compared to determine the optimal composition. Analysis shows notable differences from theoretical values; mixture A had the lowest ash (4.5g), D had the highest ash and moisture (5.4g and 9.3g), B had the lowest protein (12.5g), C had the highest protein (17.4g), thus the most balanced option for chicken feed from biomass wastes. FTIR analysis was performed to identify and characterize unknown substances in the produced chicken feed. The production of chicken feed on an industrial scale (production rate of 70 tons per day), was also studied. Economic analysis in this study shows, the estimated price for produced chicken feed was RM 435 per ton, with an IRR percentage of 28.26%, and a payback period for the factory of 3.97 years. The determined price of chicken feed was lower compared to the market price (RM 2100 to RM 4000 per ton). Therefore, biomass waste could be utilized as an alternative ingredient in chicken feed production.