Metabolisable energy of dried Sea buckthorn (Hippophaes rhamnoides) berries for broiler chickens

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to assess the content of N-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) in dried Sea buckthorn berries (SB) when fed to Ross 308 broiler chickens. Two experimental diets (basal and basal + 12 g/kg dried and milled SB berries) were fed to an equal number of replicated pens (n=8; two birds in each) from 7 to 21d age, following randomisation. The basal diet was formulated to meet breeder’s recommendations. The inclusion of dried SB berries at 12 g/kg diet, did not significantly ( P >0.05) affect broiler chicken growth performance, dietary nutrient availability or AMEn. Using the substitution method, it was found that the AMEn of the dried SB berries was 14.29 MJ/ kg DM. Although relatively high in AMEn, the absence of starch in SB berries, suggests SB berries are not a suitable substitute for cereals in poultry diets, but further research on their health benefits as a minor supplement for poultry diets is warranted.