Suitability of a dehydrated poultry mortality-soybean meal product for use in broiler chicken diets

In the poultry industry, several alternative methods for disposal of dead birds have been developed. This study evaluated the efficacy of a dehydrated poultry mortality-soybean meal (DPSM) product, made from 60% on-farm whole dead birds, 40% soybean oil meal, and a preservative amendment, for inclusion in broiler diets. Composite samples of the DPSM product were obtained for nutritional and microbiological analysis. A subsequent 42-d broiler growout experiment was conducted using DPSM incrementally (0 to 100%) substituted for the protein source component (i.e., soybean oil meal) in starter and grower diets. Nutritionally, the DPSM product was similar to soybean oil meal (SBOM), with approximately 51.5% CP, 2.81% Lys, 0.72% Met, 1.85% Thr, 3.14% Arg, and 1.36% TSAA. True amino acid digestibilities of DPSM, however, were higher than soybean oil meal. Likewise, crude fat (18.03%) and ash (8.00%) concentrations of DPSM were higher than those typically observed for SBOM. Although at low levels, 13 genera of bacteria (including some pathogenic organisms) were isolated from the DPSM product. When replacing SBOM in broiler starter and grower diets, DPSM, at lower, more practical replacement rates, did not significantly influence body weight, feed consumption, or feed conversion. According to the results of this study, using DPSM in partial substitution for SBOM in broiler diets was a safe, efficient, and economically feasible alternative for dead bird disposal.