Abstract

One of the primary concerns in poultry farming is the exploration of natural feed ingredient alternatives that are, concurrently, more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Raisin pomace powder (RPP), a by-product from grape processing, may contain numerous beneficial nutrients and natural compounds that contribute to optimal performance in chickens. The present study assessed the impact of incorporating RPP into broiler chicken diets concerning growth performance, carcass characteristics, economic efficiency, blood parameters, and immune indices. A total of 180 unsexed Ross 308 broiler chickens, all one day old with an initial average body weight of approximately 38 g, were randomly divided into four dietary treatments. The present study comprised a control group (T1) and three experimental groups, including 10 g/kg of RPP (T2), 20 g/kg of RPP (T3), and 30 g/kg of RPP (T4). The study duration spanned 35 days, covering both the initial and finisher phases. The present results demonstrated no statistically significant differences in body weight, weight gain, feed intake, dressing percentage, or economic efficiency among the treatment groups. However, the feed conversion ratio was notably higher in T2 in comparison to the control group. Hematological parameters, encompassing packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, as well as red and white blood cell counts, were not significantly influenced by the inclusion of RPP. Serum levels of total protein and globulin remained stable across groups, whereas albumin levels exhibited a significant decrease in T4. Additionally, cholesterol levels were reduced in T3 compared to T1. The current findings suggested that RPP can be included in broiler diets up to 30 g/kg without adverse effects on productivity, physiological status, or immune development. Utilizing RPP provided a sustainable strategy for poultry nutrition through the employment of agro-industrial by-products, thereby potentially improving feed resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.