Abstract

TRIGUEROS V, Imna et al. Productivity and Composition of Fatty Acids in Chicks fed with Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Rev.MVZ Cordoba [online]. 2015, vol.20, n.2, pp.4564-4571. ISSN 0122-0268.

Objective. Evaluate the productivity and composition of fatty acids in chicks fed diets enriched with neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss seed flour. Materials and methods. 80 mixed broiler chicks of Arbor Acres stock and levels 0, 1, 3 and 5% neem seed flour added to a commercial diet were evaluated. 20 experimental units were included in each treatment for five weeks. The consumption and weight gain were recorded, as well as the composition of fatty acids in the fat by means of alkaline transesterification. Data was statistically analyzed by a completely random procedure and the measurements were compared with the Tukey test(p≤0.05). Results. The greatest weight gain, consumption and best feed conversion were found in the treatment that contains 1% neem seed flour. It also produced the increase in the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (C18:2 Omega-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 omega-3), and the proportion of palmitic acid (C16:0). The consumption of feed diminished when 5% of neem flour was added. Conclusions. It was demonstrated that incorporating 1% neem seed flour in the diet of broiler chicks modifies the consumption of fatty acids without harming its productive behavior.

Keywords : Consumption; weight gain; neem.

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