Application of cocoa husk as a natural biological feed additive for broiler chickens

The increasing organic waste has environmental and financial burden on the processing industry. So solution of this problem depends on the development of new technologies for the efficient use of raw materials in the production process. Cocoa husk is rich in protein, dietary fiber and ash, and other valuable biologically active compounds, such as methylxanthines and phenols. This article shows the possibility of using cocoa husk as a feed additive for the digestibility of broiler chicken feed. Replacing 5% of wheat with an alkali-treated and extruded cocoa husk had a positive effect on the digestibility of nutrients. The experimental group III poultry in the growth period digested nitrogen-free substances and crude protein better by 4.8 and 2.7%, respectively, than the control one, which together led to an increase in the digestibility of the organic part of the diet by 3.8% (p < 0.05). Cocoa husk, due to its nutritional value and valuable biologically active compounds, can become a desirable primary produce for a wide range, as well as cheap energy for growing poultry.