THE GRAPE POMACE INFLUENCE ON THE BROILER CHICKENS GROWING RATE

I.M. Pop, Silvia Mariana Pascariu, D. Simeanu

Abstract
    The grape pomace, by-product generated during the winemaking process can be used in the farm animals nutrition due to its important contain in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to assess the grape pomace influence on the chickens growing rate (hybrid COBB 500, starting with their first day of life and up to the 40th day). A total of 142 unsexed chicks (housed in 12 pens) were organized in three groups: one control LC (without grape pomace in feed) and two experimental, respectively LT1 (with 1% grape pomace) and LT2 (with 2% grape pomace). Results showed a higher growing rate in LT2 chickens starting with their week of life and during the entire period of analysis, the average gain at the 40 days of age being higher at the LT1, and LT2 than the control's one with 32.2g (1.2%) and 73.8g (2.74%) respectively. The broiler chickens which were feed with added grape pomace performed a better feed conversion for the entire growing period (FCR at 40 days of age were 1.73% and 2.66% lower for LT2 and LT1). Considering the above presented facts, we recommend to use the grape pomace to feed the broiler chickens, a 2% grape pomace added to mixed fodders gives an advantage of growing rate and feed consumption.

Key words: grape pomace, growing rate, broiler chickens, polyphenolic