FRESH COCONUT MEAT IN POULTRY RATIONS

Almost 1/4 of all the coconuts in the world is produced in the Philippines. During periods of high supply of coconuts it would be better to feed coconut meat to farm animals for conversion into meat and eggs. Three studies were conducted at the Visayas State College of Agriculture, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines from April, 1983 to April, 1985 to determine the response of Mallard ducks, Muscovy ducks and broilers to fresh coconut meat supplementation in their diets. Results showed that Mallard ducks on ration with coconut meat performed similarly with those on ration without coconut meat. Feed cost per dozen eggs was reduced by 28-30% with coconut meat. Feed cost per unit gain of muscovy ducks was reduced by 32-37% by coconut meat supplementation. With broilers, feed conversion, gain in weight and breast weight were significantly improved by coconut meat supplementation. Return-above-feed cost increased with increasing level of coconut meat in the ration.