Preliminary studies of metabolizable energy and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) meal in chicken diets

The objective was to determine apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids in giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) (GSM) meal, as a protein alternative in diets for broilers. Experiment 1: in GSM the AMEn and the AID of its amino acids were determined. Ninety-six chickens were fed a diet with 8 and 16% GSM for 21 days of age. Experiment 2: 72 chickens were fed with 16 and 20% GSM in the diet for 42 days. Productive parameters, carcass yield, skin color and flavor meat were evaluated. Results: AMEn was 3376.15 kcal/kg and AID of amino acids greater than 68%, except histidine (21%) and cysteine (47%). Weight gain and final weight were reduced with 16% GSM (P < 0.05) compared to the control at 21 days of age, however at 42 days no differences were detected (P > 0.05) between treatments with 16 and 20%, both in the productive parameters and in carcass yield and chicken weight (P > 0.05). The taste of the meat was not affected by GSM (P > 0.05). It is concluded that GSM is an alternate source of protein in diets for broilers.