Evaluation of the effect of coconut flour as an alternative ingredient on the productive performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

The increase in the cost of conventional feed ingredients such as corn and soybean meal has prompted the search for sustainable alternatives in broiler production. In this context, coconut flour (Cocos nucifera), an agro-industrial by-product widely available in tropical regions, emerges as a viable option due to its nutritional value and low cost.
The research was conducted in El Empalme, Guayas Province, over six weeks, using a completely randomized design with 120 broiler chickens distributed into four treatments (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% coconut flour inclusion) and six replications. Productive variables such as feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass yield were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed that the 0% and 2.5% treatments (T1 and T2) achieved the highest weight gains (2166.16 g and 2003.50 g) and the best feed conversion ratios (2.23 and 2.42). However, higher inclusion levels (5% and 7.5%) decreased feed intake and productive performance. These findings indicate that coconut flour can be used up to 2.5% in broiler diets without negatively affecting performance while reducing feed costs. Therefore, its controlled inclusion represents a nutritional and economic alternative for local producers seeking sustainability in poultry production.