Abstract:
The unprecedented increase in the cost of feed ingredients, especially the protein sources has encouraged the feed industry to go for cheap alternative protein sources. Hatchery waste is one such source. Hand book of poultry feed from waste processing and using defines hatchery waste as collectible material remaining after saleable chicks removed (Adel et al., 2000). Due to the broiler industry in Sri Lanka only from un-hatched eggs and infertile eggs approximately 2500 ton of hatchery waste is generated annually. With the expansion of day old chicks production in the country, disposal of this waste has become a serious issue and has created problems with health and environmental pollution. Conversion of this waste to a cheap source of nutrition to livestock could reduce the cost of feed and volume of importation while eliminating the problems related with hatchery waste. As the composition of the hatchery waste varies and less attention has been paid regarding the commercial value of this ingredient (Saima, 2001). Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of preparing a dry, pathogen free feed ingredient from hatchery waste, determining its nutritional composition, comparing the product with the standards (NRC, 1994) of available protein sources and the value of protein in commercial feed formulation.
