Utilisation of poultry excreta as a ruminant feed – A review

Poultry excreta has the most economic value for use as animal feed. Poultry excreta in ruminant ration could have a considerable effect on reducing costs, increasing level of protein in diet, and on solving disposal problems. Generally poultry excreta are high in fibre and ash. Poultry excreta appear to have energy concentration, calcium, nitrogen and phosphorous levels exceeding that of some high quality hay. Poultry excreta are rich sources of many minerals. Poultry excreta is an economical source of supplemental crude protein and minerals to ruminants. Poultry excreta can be used in livestock feed specially in country like India where there is large shortage of nutritious feed. Research showed that growing and lactating animals accept these poultry wastes in concentrate supplements. Safer limit seems to be 30% in concentrate mixtures. These mixtures are readily acceptable and palatable.