Response of laying hens and growing broilers to the dietary inclusion of mango (Mangifera indica L.) seed kernel meal.

Studies were carried out to assess the nutritive value and utilization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) seed kernel (MSK) in the diets of layer and broiler chickens. The physical component of mango seeds was found to consist of 678 g/kg kernel, 292 g/kg shell and 30 g/kg testa. Meal from the seed kernel contained 61.6 g crude protein, 136.2 g ether extract, 22.3 g ash, 46.4 g crude fibre, 673.5 g nitrogen-free extract and appreciable mineral content. In the layers trial, MSK replaced maize weight for weight at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg. Results indicated a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in feed intake, rate of lay, egg mass and feed efficiency with increase in MSK. Layers on 150, 200 and 250 g/kg MSK exhibited the highest body weight losses. Except for lower shell thickness (p < 0.05) in hens fed MSK at 200 and 250 g/kg, the internal egg quality characteristics were comparable. In the broiler experiment, MSK was incorporated at levels of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg at the expense of maize but with slight adjustments to the soybean meal so as to achieve isonitrogenous diets. Body weight and body weight gains increased significantly (p <0.05) up to 100 g/kg and then decreased. MSK at 150 or 200 g/kg had no significant effects (p >0.05) on feed intake and feed efficiency when compared with control diet. Organ weights with the exception of liver and lung were unaffected by dietary MSK. Haematological indices were not influenced (p > 0.05) by dietary MSK except haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin, which were higher (p<0.05) in broilers fed 100 g/kg MSK. Neutrophils, lymphocytes and albumin/ globulin ratio were similar on all diets. The results indicated that at higher weight for weight levels, MSK cannot readily substitute maize in layer diets, whereas a marginal improvement was recorded in the broiler diet, albeit with nutrient supplementation.