Effect of Sunn Hemp Seed Inclusion in Broiler Starter Diets on Live Performance Attributes

Abstract

Hess, J.B. and Mosjidis, J.A. 2008. Effect of sunn hemp seed inclusion in broiler starter diets on live performance attributes. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 105–108.

This trial examined live performance responses of mixed-sex broilers raised to 21 d of age in two trials to determine whether sunn hemp seeds of a breeding population containing 2.5% of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in showy crotalaria were detrimental to young broilers. In each trial, the birds were housed in Petersime battery brooders with eight replicates per treatment (a total of 240 birds per trial). In trial 1, mash starter feed was fed to 21 d with or without whole sunn hemp seed. Treatments included a control, a contamination level (0.5% sunn hemp seed) and an ingredient inclusion level (5% sunn hemp seed). In the second trial, ground sunn hemp was included in starter feeds at 0.5% and 2% in addition to a control. Body weights and feed consumption were reduced in birds fed 5% or 2% sunn hemp (with poorer FCR), but not in birds fed 0.5% as compared to the control. No significant mortality differences were measured between treatments and no unusual pathologies were noted in the birds during posting. Low level feed contamination with sunn hemp did not measurably reduce broiler live performance during the starter period.

Keywords:

• Sunn hemp
• crotalaria
• broiler
• poultry