Effects of fermented cottonseed meal on the growth performance, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, and meat composition in yellow-feathered broilers

The effects of supplementing broilers' diets with fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on the broilers' performance, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, and meat composition were studied. A total of 180 yellow-feathered chickens of 21 days old were randomly divided into three groups (six replicates of 10 broilers each): 1) a control group (Con), 2) a treatment group of FCSM by Candida tropicalis (Ct), and 3) a treatment group of FCSM by C. tropicalis plus Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ct-Sc). Results showed that FCSM supplementation improved the average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio from the 43rd to 64th and the 21st to 64th day, respectively (P < 0.05). The dietary nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and crude ash significantly increased (P < 0.05) with FCSM supplementation. The abdominal fat content was lower (P < 0.05) in Ct and Ct-Sc than in Con (21st to 42nd day). The crude protein content was higher in the thigh muscles of treatment groups and breast muscles of Ct, and the crude fat (ether extract) in the breast muscles of Ct-Sc was higher than in Con throughout the entire duration (P < 0.05). In conclusion, FCSM is beneficial for broilers as it positively affects their growth and digestibility in addition to altering their meat compositions.