Effect of Groundnut Cake Substitution by Glandless Cottonseed Kernels on Broilers Production: Animal Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass Characteristics and Fatty Acid Composition of Muscle and Fat

A study has been conducted with broilers to assess, during the rainy season, the effects of groundnut cake substitution by glandless Cottonseed Kernel (CSK), at levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75%. The substitution improved linearly feed intake and animal growth, as well as carcass component weights and allometric parameters. The CSK increased the C18:2 n-6 to C18:1 n-9 ratio, as well in diet as in meat and subcutaneous fat. In order to explain the observed performances, the possibility is considered that broilers used preferentially C18:2 n-6 fatty acids for their metabolism. Complete glandless cottonseed kernels are probably highly valuable for broilers production in warm and wet conditions.