International Journal of Poultry Science 5 (3): 255-258, 2006

ISSN 1682-8356
© Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006

The Effects of Varying Fishmeal Inclusion Levels (%) on

Performance of Broiler Chicks

Ahmad Karimi
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kurdistan University, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran

Abstract: Fishmeal is very important protein source in poultry nutrition, mainly due to the high quality of the
protein it supplies. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of formulating isonitrogenous and
isoenergetic diets varying in fishmeal levels (0, 2.5 and 5% during the starter and 0, 1.25 and 2.5% during
the grower period) on performance. A total of 264 Hubbard straight-run broiler chicks were allocated to each
of these three dietary treatments which were replicated four times (22 chicks per pen) in a completely
randomized design. Chick body weights, daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were determined
at 10, 20, 32 and 42 days of ages. The results showed that the body weight at 32 and 42d, daily gain during
0-42d and feed intake during 11-20d, 21-32d and 0-42d significantly increased with fishmeal inclusion. In
conclusion the results of this experiment indicated that the beneficial effects of fishmeal on broiler
performance becomes most evident at higher use levels and during the latter growth periods, mainly via
stimulation of feed intake.

Key words: Fishmeal, broiler, body weight, feed intake

Introduction inclusively means that there can be significant variation

Broiler production in developing countries generally, and in the quality of different lots of fishmeal (Pike, 1999;
in Iran particularly has always been dependent on Fickler, 2002; Dale et al., 2004). As a result of the fact
imported sources of protein such as fishmeal, soybean that feed costs alone currently account for over 65-70%
meal and animal protein concentrates (Shariatmadari, of poultry production in third world countries, there has
2000). Among the animal protein sources, fishmeal is been recent interest in determining the feeding value of
particularly suited to meet the demands of the different locally available alternative feeding resources.
contemporary food chain. Fishmeal is a brown powder For instance, alternative protein sources such as leaf
which normally contains a high level of protein and protein concentrate, groundnut meal, maggot meal, sun-
appreciable quantities of fat and minerals. Within the EU dried shrimp waste meal, silk worm pupa meal, meat
about 50% of fishmeal is used in aquaculture, 20% in and bone meal, fullfat soybean meal have been used
poultry, 20 % in pigs and 10% in other markets; mainly either to replace fishmeal wholly or partly in broiler diets
pet food (Anonymous, 2002). The reason for its with remarkable success especially in relation to some
widespread use, especially in young animals, mainly growth indices (Okan, 1985; Olomu and Offiong, 1985;
stems from its high nutrient density and excellent Swick and Srinongkote, 1996; Agbede and Aletor, 2003;
digestibility (Fickler, 2002). The protein in fishmeal has Awoniyi et al., 2003; Khatun et al., 2003; Oduguwa et al.,
a high biological value in diets for animals. It is rich in 2004).
the essential amino acids, particularly lysine and the The potentials of fishmeal as a valuable protein source
sulfur amino acids. The presence of fishmeal in a in broiler feeding is not in doubt (N.R.C, 1994; Leeson
complete diet will supplement any deficiencies of the and Summers, 1997). However, the extent of its
amino acids in vegetable protein, such as soybean meal usefulness and levels of utilization by monogastric
(Barlow and Windsor, 1984; Miles and Jacob, 1997). animals such as the broiler chick needs to be re-
Fishmeal is also fed to farm animals not only to improve established as much of the original work is dated and
productivity, but also to protect health and welfare and does not relate to modern breeds. Therefore, the
reduce dependence on antibiotics and other drugs objectives of the present experiment was to investigate
(Pike, 1999; Anonymous, 2002). the influence of inclusion of different fishmeal levels on
In most developing countries, fishmeal is the most performance of broiler chicks.
important conventional animal protein source for poultry,
and its supply is mainly dependent on external supply. Materials and Methods
As a result, the cost of fishmeal is very high and its The present study was an intervention study carried out
inclusion level in the diet results in less profitable poultry at the Animal Science Department of Kurdistan
production. Moreover, due to the use of different University, Kurdistan, Iran. Two hundred and sixty four
varieties, parts of fish and processing technologies day-old, mixed-sex, Hubbard broiler chicks, were

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 Ahmad Karimi: Fishmeal Inclusion in Broiler Diet

Table 1: Composition (%) and calculated analysis of basal diets

Starter (0-20d) Grower (21-42d)
----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Fishmeal Level (%) 0 2.5 5 0 1.25 2.5
Ingredients
Corn grain 55.3 57.80 60.50 60.60 61.90 63.2
SBM (44 % Cp) 38.9 34.90 30.90 34.20 32.20 30.2
Fishmeal (63 % Cp) 0.00 2.50 5.00 0.00 1.25 2.50
Corn oil 1.95 1.27 0.57 1.30 0.94 0.59
CaCo3 1.19 1.13 1.08 1.06 1.04 1.00
D.C.P1 1.61 1.33 1.05 1.65 1.52 1.38
Common Salt 0.32 0.30 0.26 0.32 0.30 0.28
Mineral premix2 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Vitamin Premix3 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
DL. Methionine 0.19 0.17 0.14 0.20 0.19 0.18
L-Lysine –HCL 0.08 0.05 0.03 0.21 0.19 0.18
Calculated dietary nutrient content
ME(Kcal\kg) 2900 2900 2900 2920 2920 2920
CP (%) 22 22 22 20.5 20.5 20.5
Ca (%) 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.9 0.9 0.9
A.P (%) 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45
Met (%) 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.52 0.52 0.52
Met+Cys. (%) 0.88 0.88 0.87 0.85 0.85 0.85
Lys (%) 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.23 1.23 1.23
Na (%) 0.14 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.14
1
Contain 250 g/kg Ca and 180 g/kg P.
2
Supplied per Kg: Vit. A, 7200 mg; Vit. D3, 1600mg; Vit. E, 14400mg; Menadion, 800 mg; Thiamine, 720 mg; Riboflavin, 2640 mg;
Niacin, 12000 mg; Pyridoxin, 1200 mg; Vit B12, 6 mg; D-Pantothenic acid ,4000 mg; Folic acid, 400 mg; Biotin ,40 mg; Choline
chloride, 100000mg; Antioxidant, 40000 mg.
3
Supplied per Kg: Manganese, 40000 mg; Zinc ,33880 mg; Iron, 20000 mg; Copper, 4000 mg; Iodine, 400 mg; Choline chloride,
100000 mg.

randomly allocated to three dietary treatments, each points in time and feed conversion ratio (FCR)
replicated four times (22 chicks per pen) in a completely calculated for these periods. Mortality was recorded daily
randomized design .The chicks were housed in floor and feed consumption data were corrected for body
pens (1.2 ×1.5 cm) containing wood shavings weight of mortality. Average body weight, daily gain, and
throughout the experiment. Light was provided FCR were determined for each period and for the overall
continuously for the first day posthatching, after which a experiment.
23L: 1D lighting schedule was maintained for the
duration of the experiment. Temperature was Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed according to
maintained between 32oC and 34oC at the beginning of General linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS (SAS
the rearing period and were gradually decreased every institute, 1991) as a CRD experiment. Significant
2 to 3 d by 1oC to 22oC at the end of rearing period. differences among treatments were determined at
Chicks were provided free access to feed and water P<0.05 by Duncan’s new multiple range tests.
during the experimental period. Care and management
of the chicks were in accordance with commercial Results and Discussion
guidelines. During the experimental period mortality was within
acceptable levels (less than 2 %) and was not related to
Dietary treatments: The corn-soybean meal-based dietary treatments. The influences of different fishmeal
starter (0-20d) and grower (21-42d) diets were levels on broiler performance were summarized in Table
formulated to meet or exceeded the requirements 2.
(N.R.C, 1994) for all nutrients (Table 1). Experimental During the starter period (0-20d), average broiler body
diets were formulated to contain different Anchovy weight, daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were not
fishmeal levels (0, 2.5 and 5 % during starter period and significantly influenced by 2.5 or 5% fishmeal inclusion
0, 1.25 and 2.5% during grower period). to the diets (P>0.05). However, broiler average daily feed
intake was increasingly (P<0.05) improved by increasing
Measurements: The experiment was conducted for 42 fishmeal level inclusion to the diets during last part of
days. Birds were weighed as a group on arrival. At 10, the starter period (11-20d).
20, 32 and 42 days of age, all birds were weighed by Through the grower period, the average body weight (32
pen. Feed intake per pen was recorded at the same and 42d) and daily feed intake (21-32d) were

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 Ahmad Karimi: Fishmeal Inclusion in Broiler Diet

Table 2: The effect of different fishmeal level (%) on performance in broiler chicks
Fishmeal Level P-Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 2 3
Body weight(gr.)
10d 210.6±8.6 220.6±14.9 214.0±15.2 0.57
20d 564.0±50.8 591.7±14.9 608.3±11.5 0.19
32d 1353.6b±42.8 1474.4a±73.8 1517.2a±87.3 0.02
42d 2019.8b±171.5 2155.8ab±47.4 2207.1a±25.0 0.08
Daily gain(gr.)
0-10d 18.8±0.9 19.9±1.6 19.2±1.7 0.57
11-20d 35.3±5.0 37.1±2.1 39.4±2.0 0.27
21-32d 60.8±5.0 67.9±5.6 69.9±6.5 0.11
33-42d 74.0±14.4 75.7±5.5 76.7±12.4 0.95
0-42d 47.8b±4.1 51.0ab±1.1 52.3a±0.6 0.07
Feed intake(gr.d-1)
0-10d 25.7±1.9 26.0±1.8 26.9±1.1 0.58
11-20d 67.4b±5.7 75.1ab±3.5 77.6a±5.3 0.04
21-32d 125.5b±2.3 130.0ab±5.4 134.1a±3.7 0.04
33-42d 171.6±21.0 189.0±11.0 192.8±10.3 0.16
0-42d 101.6b±6.8 109.7ab±4.8 112.5a±3.1 0.04
FCR(gr.gr-1)
0-10d 1.37±0.1 1.31±0.1 1.42±0.2 0.57
11-20d 1.95±0.4 2.03±0.2 1.97±0.1 0.91
21-32d 2.08±0.2 2.08±0.2 1.94±0.2 0.48
33-42d 2.35±0.2 2.51±0.3 2.57±0.5 0.66
0-42d 2.26±0.1 2.28±0.1 2.30±0.1 0.87
a-b: Mean values within a row and under each main effects with no common superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05).
1: 1, 2, 3: 0.0, 2.5 and 5.0% in starter, and 0.0, 1.25 and 2.25% in grower periods, respectively.

significantly affected by fishmeal level (P<0.05). Chicks the value of fishmeal came to be recognized, fishing
fed with diets containing 1.25 or 2.5 % fishmeal had industries were developed with fishmeal production as
higher body weight and average feed intake compared their primary purpose (Pike, 1999). Fishmeal is a
with chicks fed diets without of fishmeal. The chick’s natural, balanced feed ingredient that is high in protein,
daily gain and feed conversion ratio were energy, minerals (calcium and phosphorus) a natural
not significantly affected by fishmeal inclusion level source of vitamins (including choline, biotine and vitamin
during this period of growth. Over the whole B12, A and E) and the micronutrients selenium and
experimental period (0-42d), the average chicks daily iodine. Fishmeal also has become a standard
gain and feed intake were significantly (P<0.05) ingredient in pig and poultry rations to make up for
improved by fishmeal supplementation to the diets. deficiencies of essential amino acids(N.R.C, 1994; Pike,
Since the majority of the benefit in gain was driven by 1999). Several research workers have come to the
increased intake, feed conversion ratio was not conclusion that some feedstuffs such as fishmeal
significantly influenced by dietary fishmeal (P>0.05). contain an unidentified growth factor. This factor
Results of the present experiment showed that the improves the palatability of these feedstuffs which, when
beneficial effects of fishmeal on broiler performance fed to broilers, results in an improvement in growth
becomes most evident at higher level and during the (Barlow and Windsor, 1984; El Boushy and van der Poel,
mid point of the growth period, with the greatest benefit 1994).
manifesting between 21-32d of age on gain, mainly via Although the feeding value of fishmeal is
stimulation of feed intake. Benefits of fishmeal inclusion unquestionable, its use in animal feed can not be
on intake and gain were less evident during 11-20d of without limitations because of their unfavorable effects
age or 33-42d of age. One of the major challenges in (fishy taints) on meat, fats and eggs (Leeson and
modern poultry nutrition is to achieve greater efficiencies Summers, 1997; Pike, 1999; Kolacz et al., 2003).
in the conversion of basic raw materials and by-products Another factor that requires attention when the level of
in to high value products of animal origin for human fishmeal is high in the ration is its gizzerosine contents,
nutrition. When modern animal nutrition is considered it originally found in overheated fishmeal. This compound
is clear that animal production is not only a consumer of has been shown to induce gastric acid secretion in
cereals, but also of many low grade basic raw material young chicks, in a mode of action similar to histamine,
in to high value products eminently suited for human. but with higher potency and a longer lasting action,
Historically fishmeal was a byproduct of fish oil resulting in poor performance and gizzard erosion. With
production and a way of utilizing surpluses and small inadequately heat-treated fishmeal there is also the
fish that could not be sold for human consumption. As potential problem of excessive thiaminase activity

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 Ahmad Karimi: Fishmeal Inclusion in Broiler Diet

(N.R.C, 1994; Rosselot et al., 1996; Köse et al., 2003; Khatun, R., M.A.R. Howlider, M.M. Rahman and M.
Macan et al., 2005). Availability and price of fishmeal, in Hasanuzzaman, 2003. Replacement of fishmeal by
relation to other animal protein sources, or even in silkworm in broiler diets. Pak. J. Biol. Sci., 6: 955-
relation to protein of plant origin, might be the overruling 958.
factor in decisions to include fishmeal in broiler diets. Kolacz, R., A. Korniewicz, Z. Dobrzañski, D. Korniewicz
These problems together with risk factor associated with and Z. Usydus, 2003. Effects of dietary modified fish
diseases from animal protein sources, have resulted in meal (MFM) on physiochemical and sensory
nutritionists studying alternative sources for inclusion in properties of pig lion. Elec. J. Polish Agri. Univ., V:
to the diets of poultry (Okan, 1985; Olomu and Offiong, 6(2).
1985; Swick and Srinongkote, 1996; Agbede and Aletor, Köse, S., P. Quantic and G. Hall, 2003. Changes in the
2003; Awoniyi et al., 2003; Khatun et al., 2003; Oduguwa levels of histamine during processing and storage
et al., 2004). These byproducts, though only available in of fish meal. Anim. Feed Sci. Tec., 107: 161-172.
small quantities, have served to bridge the gap in supply Leeson, S. and J.D. Summers, 1997. Commercial
of animal protein sources as well as to lower feed costs. poultry nutrition. 2nd Edition. University Books,
In conclusion, the results of this experiment showed that Guelph, ON.
the body weight at 32 and 42 d, daily gain during 0-42d, Macan, J., R. Turk, J. Vukušiæ, D. Kipšiæ and S.
feed intake during 11-20d, 21-32d and 0-42d had Milkoviæ-Kraus, 2005. Long term follow-up of
significantly increased with fishmeal inclusion to the histamine levels in a stored fishmeal sample.
diets. The beneficial effects of fishmeal on broiler Miles, R.D. and J.P. Jacob, 1997. Fishmeal:
performance become most evident at higher inclusion
understanding why this feed ingredient is so
level and during the mid points of the growth period,
valuable in poultry diets. University of Florida
mainly via stimulation of feed intake rather than
Cooperative and Extension Service. Institute of Food
improvement in feed conversion ratio of diets.
and Agricultural Sciences.
National Research Council. 1994. Nutrient
Acknowledgements
Requirements of Poultry, 9th .rev. ed. (National
The Author thanks Dr. M.M.Bedford, Zymetrics Inc.,
Academy Press, Washington, DC).
Marlborough, UK, for his helpful comments and
Oduguwa, O.O., A.O. Fanimo, V.O. Olayemi and N. Oteri.
suggestions.The facilities and financial inputs from
2004. The feeding value of sun-dried shrimp waste-
Sazmane Jehad-Keshavarze Kurdistan and Kurdistan
meal based diets for starter and finisher broilers.
University are gratefuly acknowledge, respectively.
Arch. Zootec., 53: 87-90.
Okan, S., 1985. Economical analysis of broiler
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