




































 

 

 
9 

† Corresponding author 
© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 

EFFECT OF WHOLE INEDIBLE DATE AND AMINO ACID 

SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF ROSS 308 

BROILER CHICKS 

 

Alaeldein M. Abudabos1* --- Mutassim M. Abdelrahman2 --- Gamaleldin M. 

Suliman3--- Ahmed A. Al-Sagan4 

 
1,2,3Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 

4King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 

 

ABSTRACT 

This work aims to assess the potential of discarded date meal (DDM) as an alternative ingredient in broiler 

diets. The effect of substituting 5 or 10% of corn and soybean meal (SBM) with DDM on performance, 

carcass characteristics, serum constituents and nutrients retention of broilers from 12 to 35 d of age was 

evaluated. A total of 150 chicks were randomly distributed in a factorial arrangement (3x2) into six 

treatments. Three levels of DDM (0, 5 and 10%) and 2 levels of AAs (normal and high) were utilized. A 

significant interaction was detected for BWG (P<0.01) and FCR (P<0.001). Birds which had received 

0% and 5% DDM and high AAs converted feed more efficiently when compared to those which had 

received low AAs.  When examining the main effects for FCR, both DDM and AAs showed a significant 

effects on FCR (P<0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Birds received 5% DDM converted feed more efficiently as 

compared to 0 and 10%. Also, birds received the high AAs level converted feed more efficiently as compared 

to the normal level. On the other hand, breast muscle yield and abdominal fat were affected by DDM and 

AAs (P<0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Birds on the 0% DDM had higher breast muscle yield as compared to 

5 or 10% DDM. Also, high AAs increased breast yield by 1.5% as compared to normal AAs. The results 

revealed that birds received 5% DDM performed better than the control or 10%. Also, supplementing diets 

with higher AAs level improved the performance. Based on presented evidences, it is recommended to 

substitute 5% of corn and SBM withDDM. 

Keywords: Amino acids (AA’s), Broilers, Discarded date meal (DDM), Growth performance, Nutrients retention, 

Serum metabolite. 

Received: 3 December 2014/ Revised: 13 January 2015/ Accepted: 19 January 2015/ Published: 23 January 2015 

 

 

Animal Review 
2015 Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 9-18 
ISSN(e): 2409-6490 
ISSN(p): 2412-3382 
DOI: 10.18488/journal.ar/2015.2.1/101.1.9.18 
© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 

http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.18488/journal.ar/2015.2.1/101.1.9.18


Animal Review, 2015, 2(1): 9-18 

 

 
10 

© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Contribution/ Originality 

This study contributes in the existing literature regarding the utilization of dates as a 

potential ingredient that could partially replace corn in broiler diets. This study documents that 

DDM could be incorporated in poultry diets as a cheap untraditional ingredient to reduce feeding 

cost. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the effect of amino acids 

supplementation to DDM as a method to improve the nutritive value. 

 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Broiler feed is based primarily on corn as a source of energy and soybean meal as a source of 

protein. In most areas of the world corn is the predominant source of energy in feed because of its 

abundance and digestibility, roughly 60-75% of the total makeup of broiler diets is corn. 

Historically high corn prices, prompting nutritionists to search for other suitable raw materials to 

provide required nutrients for poultry to maintain productivity and to lower feed cost [1].  

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are considered a main crop in Saudi Arabia. In the year 2012, the 

total production quantity was 1,050,000 tons which represented 15.1% of total world production.  

However, more than 20% of dates are considered inedible for humans [2]. Dates which are not 

used for humans can be grinded and mixed with other livestock and poultry feed [3]. Discarded 

date meal (DDM) is considered to be a potential ingredient that could partially replace corn in 

broiler diets. Al-Harthi [4] stated that DDM could be incorporated in poultry diets as a cheap 

untraditional ingredient to reduce feeding costs. In comparison with corn, DDM has low crude 

protein (5 to 7%) and essential amino acids (AAs) lysine (Lys), methionine (Met) and threonine 

(Thr).It has a fair ME level because it contains 7 to 10% fat and 55 to 65% crude carbohydrate 

however; it contains high crude fibre content (10 to 20%) [5].  

Several studies were conducted on the effect of inclusion rate of DDM on broiler 

performance. Kamel, et al. [6] Concluded that whole Zahdi dates at the expense of corn at 5, 10 

and 30% supported growth performance of broilers as efficiently as the control diets. El-Deek, et 

al. [7] Concluded that whole inedible dates which consisted of date fruits (85%) and date pits 

(15.0%) could be used up to 15% in broiler diets from 15 and 42 days of age without any adverse 

effects on performance, digestibility of nutrients and meat quality measurements.  

In practical feeds the total sulfur AAs (Met+Cys), Lys and Thr are usually considered as the 

most limiting amino acids in for growing chickens fed corn-SBM diets [8]. Methionine, Lys and 

Thr may interact with one another to improve broiler performance [9]. Overall dietary Lys: Met 

and Lys: Thr interactions were apparent to optimize meat accretion. According to Kidd, et al. 

[10] if broilers feed is fortified with Lys above the NRC [11] recommendations [11], Thr 

requirements will increase.  Increasing dietary Lys without an increase in Met and Thr may limit 

protein synthesis and reduce meat accretion [12, 13]. It was reported that diets fortified with Lys 

and Met (106 and 112% of the NRC [11], respectively) interacted to optimize carcass and breast 

meat yields of male broiler compared to control diet [14]. Other research found no interactions 

between Lys and Met in broiler diets when both were fed equal or above the NRC [11] suggested 



Animal Review, 2015, 2(1): 9-18 

 

 
11 

© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

recommendations [15]. This trial was intended to evaluate the effect of substituting corn and 

SBM with discarded date meal (DDM) supplemented with two levels (normal and high) of AAs 

(Lys, Met and Thr). 

 

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 

The study was conducted at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Dates were 

obtained from the local market and the whole date was ground (the pits and the flesh). Chicks 

were randomly distributed in a factorial arrangement into six treatments [3 levels of DDM (0, 5 

and 10%) and 2 levels of AAs (100% of AAs as used in commercial practices (normal) and 115% 

(high))]:  

T1 = control corn-SBM diet (0% DDM+100% AAs (Lys, Met. and Thr). 

T2 = 0%DDM + 115% AAs (Lys, Met and Thr). 

T3 = 5% DDM+100% AAs (Lys, Met and Thr).    

T4 = 5% DDM + 115% (Lys, Me and Thr). 

T5= 10% DDM +100% AAs (Lys, Met and Thr). 

T6 = 10% DDS + 115% (Lys, Met and Thr).  

Before mixing the experimental diets, samples of raw materials were analyzed for chemical 

composition (Table 1). The chicks were given common starter diet for two weeks (Table 2) and 

were given the experimental diets from 15 to 42 days of age (Table 3).  

A total of 150 chicks were obtained from a commercial hatchery and were grouped by weight, 

then chicks were allotted into 30 experimental cages with five chicks per cage in a four-deck cage 

system and received the experimental diets in electrically heated battery brooders with raised 

wire floors. This experiment was conducted at the environmentally controlled battery room at 

the Animal Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud 

University. The initial environmental temperature was kept at 35°C in the first week and then 

decreased to 22°C until the end of the experiment. At the hatchery, the chicks were vaccinated 

against Infectious Bronchitis, Marek's disease and Newcastle disease. 

 

2.1. Measurements 

The pen average for feed consumption (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded 

weekly and FCR was computed.  Mortality was checked daily and weights of dead birds were 

used to adjust FCR.  

A digestion trial was performed on a separate group of chicks. Thirty six birds (3 replications 

per diet) were housed (2 birds / cage) in 18 cages with wire bottoms. At 35 day of age, all finisher 

diets were supplemented with 3g kg-1 chromic oxide as an analytical marker for the digestibility 

trial and were offered to the birds for 5 days as an adaptation period.   After the adaptation period, 

approximately 200 grams of clean excreta were collected to for analysis.  Excreta and feed 

samples were dried and dry matter was determined by oven-drying at 60°C for 72 h, and then was 

ground to pass through a 1.0 mm screen. The following analyses were performed in duplicates, 



Animal Review, 2015, 2(1): 9-18 

 

 
12 

© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

crude protein (N x 6.25), ether extract, NDF and AME according to the procedures established 

by the A.O.A.C. [16]. Chromic oxide was analyzed according to Williams, et al. [17].  AME 

values were determined using the following equation: AME (kcal/kg of diet) = GE diet - [GE 

excretes or digesta x (Marker diet/Marker excretes or digesta] and the following equation was 

used for calculation of percent retention: % Nutrient retention = 100 - ((Diet Cr2O3/Fecal Cr2O3 

x Fecal nutrient/diet nutrient) x 100 [18]. At 35 days of age a total of 36 birds (six/ treatment) 

were weighed then slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes. 

Weights of wings, back, legs, drumsticks and breast were recorded. The birds were processed 

using manual evisceration; dressing and parts yield were calculated.  

At 42 days of age, six birds per treatment were selected and kept without feed for 12 h then 

were bled from a cutaneous ulnar vein. Blood samples were centrifuged for 15 min at 2, 500 × g, 

and serum was harvested and stored at -80°C unless fresh sample is required for the analysis. The 

following analysis were conducted by using enzymatic colorimetric kits: total protein (Biuret 

method), albumin (Bromoreesol green method), globulin concentration was calculated, thereafter, 

as the difference between TP and albumin concentrations, total lipid (Sulfo-phosphate vanillin 

method), cholesterol (Trinders color method), glucose (Modified trinder / GOD method), uric 

acid (End point method), sodium (Sodium dependent β-galactosidase activity), potassium 

(Turbidimetric method), and chloride (Thiocyanate method); all analyses were carried out in 

duplicate.  

 

2.2. Statistical Analysis 

Data were evaluated by ANOVA for a complete randomized block design with 3x2 factorial 

arrangements of treatments, using the general linear models procedure of SAS software [19]. 

The data were tested for main effects of DDM, AAs and for interaction effects of DDM x AAs. 

 

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

Performance results of Ross 308 broilers are shown in Table 4. No significant difference in 

feed intake was observed due to treatment (P>0.05). However, just numeric increase in feed 

intake was observed as the inclusion rate of DDM increased in the diet. A significant interaction 

was detected for BWG (P<0.01), this could be explained by the fact that bird on the high level of 

AAs gained more weigh at 0% DDM as compared to normal AAs (1855.9 vs. 1603.3 g, 

respectively). While those on the 5 and 10% DDM gained less weight at high AAs as compared to 

low AAs (1803.6 vs. 1850.7 g for birds received 5%; 1745.7 vs. 1817.7 g for birds received 10%, 

respectively). As a result, a significant interaction was detected for FCR (P<0.001). Birds which 

had received 0% and 5% DDM and high AAs converted feed more efficiently when compared to 

those which had received low AAs (1.713 vs. 1.842 g: g for birds received 0% DDM; 1.713 vs. 

1.727 g: g for birds received 5% DDM, respectively). In the contrary, birds which had received 

normal AAs and 10% DDM converted feed more efficiently when compared to those which had 

received high AAs (1.769 vs. 1.807 g: g, respectively). When examine the main effects for FCR, 



Animal Review, 2015, 2(1): 9-18 

 

 
13 

© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

both DDM and AAs showed a significant effects on FCR (P<0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Birds 

received 5% DDM converted feed more efficiently as compared to 0 and 10% (1.720, 1.777 and 

1.788 g: g, respectively). Also, birds received the high AAs level converted feed more efficiently as 

compared to the normal level (1.744 vs. 1.779 g: g, respectively).  

In general, dates have abundant nutrients (approximately 7 to 5% crude protein; 10 to 7% fat; 

20 to 10% fiber; 65 to 55% crude carbohydrate). Dates which are not used for humans can be 

grinded and mixed with other livestock and poultry feed [3]. It was concluded that whole Zahdi 

dates at the expense of corn at 5, 10 and 30% supported growth performance of broilers as 

efficiently as the control diets, but the incorporation of 47.7% of whole Zahdi dates as a total 

replacement of corn resulted in some growth depression and a slight decrease in feed utilization 

[7]. It was reported that whole inedible dates which consisted of date fruits (85%) and date pits 

(15.0%) could be used up to 15% in broiler diets from 15 and 42 days of age without any adverse 

effects on performance, digestibility of nutrients and meat quality measurements [7]. However, 

based on the FCR in this trial, it’s recommended to add 5% DDM with the high AAs level or 10% 

with normal AAs. The DDM is a cheaper energy source for poultry when compared to corn and 

replacing part of the corn with DDM will reduce the diet cost. However, dates should be dry and 

very hard when ground. A problem in the grinding processes that dates smears and clogs the 

sieves of the hammer mill. To solve the problem of caking in the machinery, it is recommended to 

make a premix with another ingredient such as corn for example and then grind the mix.  

The mean percentage of carcass parts is documented in Table 5. The results revealed no 

significant differences in dressing percentage and leg quarter (P<0.05).  However, breast yield 

and abdominal fat were affected by DDM and AAs (P<0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Birds on the 

0% DDM had higher breast muscle yield (33.8%) as compared to 5 or 10% DDM (31.1 and 31.2%, 

respectively). Also, high AAs increased breast yield by 1.5% as compared to normal AAs. 

Hickling, et al. [14] Described that diets fortified with 106% Lys and Met 112% of the NRC [11] 

interrelated to enhance breast meat yields of male broilers. Café and Waldroup [20] reported that 

breast yield of broilers (35 d) fed diets supplemented with 115 or 130% Met of  NRC [11] and 

120% Lys of NRC [11] levels were greater than that of birds fed 100% (control).  

Abdominal fat increased in birds which had received 10% DDM as compared to those which 

had received 0 and 5% (3.3 vs. 2.4 and 2.5, respectively). High AAs decreased abdominal fat by 

0.5% as compared to normal AAs (2.5 vs. 3.0%).  

Data related to serum biochemistry are shown in Table 6. No interaction was detected 

between DDM and AAs for blood biochemistry. However, serum glucose, Na+ and Cl- were 

significantly affected by DDM level (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). Serum glucose level 

increased as the inclusion rate of DDM increased in the diet (200.8, 202.7 and 203.8 mg/dl for 0, 

5 and 10%, respectively). Conversely, Na+ and Cl- level decreased as the inclusion rate of DDM 

increased. Serum albumin decreased at high AAs level as compared to normal (2.54 vs. 2.78 g/dl, 

respectively) while, globulin increased as a response to high AAs level (0.77 for high vs. 0.68 g/dl 

for normal). Serum cholesterol decreased at high AAs level (90.6 mg/dl) as compared to normal 



Animal Review, 2015, 2(1): 9-18 

 

 
14 

© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

AAs (112.7 mg/dl) (P<0.01). Attia, et al. [21] reported that feeding low-CP diet fortified with 

Met and Lys resulted in higher plasma cholesterol, the result obtained in this trial disagree with 

that, since we found lower serum cholesterol in birds fed fortified diets. Neither DDM nor AAs 

had a significant effect on protein, total lipids, uric acid or K+ (P>0.05). 

Table 7 shows nutrients retention for broilers which received the experimental diets. Neither 

DDM nor AAs had a significant effect on crude protein or ether extract retentions (P>0.05). A 

lower NDF retention was observed as the inclusion level of DDM increased in the diet (P<0.01). 

Conversely, a higher AMEn retention was observed as the DDM inclusion rate increased 

(P<0.05).  

 

4. CONCLUSION 

In summary, based on the FCR in this trial, it’s recommended to add 5% DDM with the high 

AAs level or 10% with normal AAs. The DDM is a cheaper energy source for poultry when 

compared to corn and replacing part of the corn and SBM with DDM will reduce the diet cost.  

 

Funding: The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to King Abdul-Aziz City for Science 
and Technology (KACST) for its funding of this research through the research project number LGP-32-15. 
 

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. 
 

Contributors/Acknowledgement: All authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the study.  

 

REFERENCES 

[1] A. M. Abudabos, A. B. Okab, R. S. Aljumaah, E. M. Samara, K. A. Abdoun, and A. A. Al-Haidary, 

"Nutritional value of green seaweed (Ulva Lactuca) for broiler chickens," Ita. J. Anim. Sci., vol. 12, 

pp. 177-181, 2013. 

[2] A. H. Al-Homidan, "Date waste, whole dates and date pits as ingredients in broiler diets," Egypt. 

Poult. Sci. J., vol. 23, pp. 15-35, 2003. 

[3] W. H. Barreld, "Date palm products," FAO Agricultural Services. Bulletin No. 101, 1993. 

[4] M. A. Al-Harthi, "The influence of date waste meal supplemented with enzymes, probiotics or their 

combination on broiler performance," Egypt. Poult. Sci. J., vol. 26, pp. 1031-1055, 2006. 

[5] A. A. El–Deek, M. Al–Harthi, and H. M. Yakout, "Use of enzymes to supplement diets containing 

date waste meal for lohmann white layers," Int. J. Poult. Sci., vol. 7, pp. 397-407, 2008. 

[6] B. S. Kamel, M. F. Diab, M. A. Ilian, and A. J. Salman, "Nutritional value of whole dates and date 

pits in broiler rations," Poult. Sci., vol. 60, pp. 1005-1011, 1981. 

[7] A. A. El-Deek, Y. A. Attia, and M. A. Al-Harthi, "Whole inedible date in the grower-finisher 

broiler diets and the impact on productive performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality," 

Animal, vol. 4, pp. 1647-52, 2010. 

[8] M. T. Kidd, "Nutritional consideration concerning threonine in broilers," World’s Poult. Sci. J., vol. 

56, pp. 139-151, 2000. 

[9] I. W. A. Dozier, M. T. Kidd, and A. Corzo, "Dietary amino acid responses of broiler chickens," J. 

Applied Poult. Res., vol. 17, pp. 157-167, 2008. 



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[10] M. T. Kidd, B. J. Kerr, and N. B. Anthony, "Dietary interactions between lysine and threonine in 

broilers," Poult. Sci., vol. 76, pp. 608-614, 1997. 

[11] NRC, National research council. Nutrient requirements of poultry, 9th ed. Washington, DC, USA: 

National Acad. Press, 1994. 

[12] B. J. Kerr, M. T. Kidd, G. W. McWard, and C. L. Quarles, "Interactive effects of lysine and 

threonine on live performance and breast yield in male broilers," J. Applied Poult. Res., vol. 8, pp. 

391-399, 1999. 

[13] C. P. Ojano-Dirain and P. W. Waldroup, "Evaluation of lysine, methionine and threonine needs of 

broilers three to six weeks of age under moderate heat stress," Int. J. Poult. Sci., vol. 1, pp. 16-21, 

2002. 

[14] D. Hickling, W. Guenter, and M. E. Jackson, "The effects of dietary methionine and lysine on 

broiler chicken performance and breast meat yield," Canadian J. Anim. Sci., vol. 70, pp. 673-678, 

1990. 

[15] J. Si, J. H. Kersey, C. A. Fritts, and P. W. Waldroup, "An evaluation of the interaction of lysine and 

methionine in diets for growing broilers," Int. J. Poult. Sci., vol. 3, pp. 51-60, 2004. 

[16] A.O.A.C., Official methods of analysis, 16th ed. Washington, DC, USA: Association of Official 

Analytical Chemists, 1996. 

[17] C. H. Williams, D. J. David, and O. Iismaa, "The determination of chromic oxide in faeces samples 

by atomic absorption spectrometry," J. Agric. Sci., vol. 59, pp. 381-385, 1962. 

[18] M. L. Scott, M. C. Nesheim, and R. J. Young, Determination of metabolizable energy. In: M.L. Scott 

and associates (Eds). Nutrition of the chicken, 3rd ed. Ithaca, NY, 1982. 

[19] SAS Institute Inc., SAS users guide: Statistics. Version 9.1.3. Cary, NC, USA: SAS Institute, 2003. 

[20] M. B. Café and P. W. Waldroup, "Interaction between levels of methionine and lysine in broiler 

diets changed at typical industry intervals," Int. J. Poult. Sci., vol. 5, pp. 1008-1015, 2006. 

[21] Y. A. Attia, S. A. Abd El-Rahman, and E. M. A. Qota, "Effects of microbial phytase with or without 

cell-wall splitting enzymes on the performance of broilers fed suboptimum levels of dietary protein 

and metabolisable energy," Egypt. Poultry Sci. J., vol. 21, pp. 521-547, 2001. 

 

Table-1. Chemical composition of the raw materials used to mix the diets 

 

Table-2.  Dietary ingredients (%) of the starter diets 

Ingredients % 

Corn 62.45 
SBM 31.0 

Palm oil 2.19 

D.C.P 2.50 

 Continue 

ID 
%, As is basis Gross Energy 

kcal/kg DM% Ash% CP % EE % CF % NFE % 
Corn 93.31 1.69 9.98 4.52 1.53 82.28 4463 

SBM 95.10 7.08 48.30 1.63 2.64 40.36 4703 
DDM 91.47 8.44 4.24 0.66 4.96 81.70 3853 



Animal Review, 2015, 2(1): 9-18 

 

 
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© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 

Limestone 0.73 

Salt 0.25 
MV Mix1 0.20 

DL-Methionine 0.26 
Lysine-HCL 0.18 

Threonine 0.07 
Na-Bicarbonate 0.12 

Choline CL 0.05 
Total 100 

Chemical composition: 

ME, kcal/kg 3000 

Crude protein, % 21.5 
Methionine, % 0.55 

Lysine, % 1.2 
Meth&Cys, % 0.9 

Threonine, % 0.9 

Calcium, % 1.0 
Phosphorus, % 0.5 

1Vitamin-mineral premix contains in the following per kg: vitamin A, 2400000 IU; 
vitamin D, 1000000 IU; vitamin E, 16000 IU; vitamin K, 800 mg; vitamin B1, 600 
mg; vitamin B2, 1600 mg; vitamin B6, 1000 mg; vitamin B12, 6 mg; niacin, 8000 mg; 
folic acid, 400 mg; pantothenic acid, 3000 mg; biotin 40 mg; antioxidant, 3000 mg; 
cobalt, 80 mg; copper, 2000 mg; iodine, 400; iron, 1200 mg; manganese, 18000 mg; 
selenium, 60 mg, and zinc, 14000 mg.  

 

Table-3.  Dietary ingredients (%) of the experimental diets 

1Same as in the starter diet (Table 2). 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients 1 2 3 4 5 6 

Corn 66.91 66.91 61.91 61.91 58.90 58.90 

SBM 26.63 26.03 25.6 25.22 22.98 22.64 
Date  0.0 0.0 5.0 5.0 10.0 10.0 

Palm oil 2.8 3.0 3.8 3.8 4.4 4.4 
Dicalcium phosphate 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 

Limestone 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 
Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 

MV Mix1 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 
DL-Methionine 0.20 0.28 0.20 0.28 0.20 0.28 

Lysine-HCL 0.24 0.42 0.24 0.42 0.24 0.42 

Threonine 0.11 0.24 0.14 0.24 0.16 0.24 
Na-Bicarbonate 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 

Choline CL 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 
Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 

Chemical composition 
      ME POULTRY 3100 3100 3100 3100 3100 3100 

Crude protein, % 20.0 20.0 19.2 19.2 17.0 17.0 
Methionine, % 0.48 0.56 0.48 0.56 0.48 0.56 

Lysine, % 1.10 1.26 1.10 1.26 1.10 1.26 
Meth&Cys, % 0.80 0.85 0.80 0.85 0.80 0.85 

Threonine, % 0.80 0.92 0.80 0.92 0.80 0.92 
Calcium, % 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 

Phosphorus, % 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 



Animal Review, 2015, 2(1): 9-18 

 

 
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Table-4. Performance of broiler chickens given the experimental diets 

°DDM: discarded date meal. ¥AAs: amino acids. High: 15% extra lysine (Lys.), methionine (Met.) and threonine (Thr.) added to the basal diet. 

abmeans in the columns with different superscripts differ significantly (* P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P< 0.001, N.S: Not significant) 

 

Table-5.  Effect of different treatments on parts yield as percentages of broiler dressed weight 

°DDM: discarded date meal 

¥AAs: amino acids. High: 15% extra lysine (Lys.), methionine (Met.) and threonine (Thr.) added to the basal diet. 

abmeans in the column with different superscripts differ significantly (* P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, N.S: Not significant). 

Treatment DDM° AAs¥ 
Performance 

Feed (g) BWG (g) FCR (g: g) 

     Conti 

1 0% Normal 2953.1 1603.3 1.842 
     Conti 

2 0% High 3177.9 1855.9 1.713 
3 5% Normal 3194.6 1850.7 1.727 

4 5% High 3088.4 1803.6 1.713 
5 10% Normal 3218.6 1817.7 1.769 

6 10% High 3150.9 1745.7 1.807 
SEM±   90.9 50.8 0.018 

DDM Average      

0%   3065.5 1729.6 1.777a 

5%   3141.5 1827.2 1.720b 

10%   3184.9 1781.7 1.788a 

SEM±   64.2 35.9 0.013 

AAs Average      
Normal   3122.2 1757.2 1.779a 

High   3139.1 1801.7 1.744b 

SEM±   52.5 29.3 0.010 

Statistical Probabilities      
DDM   NS NS ** 

AAs   NS NS * 
DDM*AAs   NS ** *** 

Treatment DDM° AAs¥ 
% 

Dressing Leg Breast Fat 

1 0% Normal 75.9 40.2 32.5 2.8 

2 0% High 76.1 39.7 35.0 1.9 
3 5% Normal 76.1 40.9 30.6 2.7 

4 5% High 75.9 40.1 31.5 2.4 

5 10% Normal 76.2 40.3 30.6 3.5 
6 10% High 76.0 39.9 31.7 3.1 

SEM±   0.6 0.7 0.8 0.3 

DDM Average       

0%   76.0 39.9 33.8a 2.4b 

5%   76.0 40.5 31.1b 2.5b 

10%   76.1 40.1 31.2b 3.3a 

SEM±   0.4 0.4 0.60 0.2 

AAs Average       
Normal   76.0 39.9 32.8a 2.5b 

High   76.1 40.5 31.3b 3.0a 

SEM±   0.3 0.4 0.5 0.1 

Statistical Probabilities       
DDM   NS NS ** ** 

AAs   NS NS * * 
DDM*AAs   NS NS NS NS 



Animal Review, 2015, 2(1): 9-18 

 

 
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© 2015 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Table-6. Effect of dietary treatments on some serum constituents in broilers 

 
°DDM: discarded date meal 

¥AAs: amino acids. High: 15% extra lysine (Lys.), methionine (Met.) and threonine (Thr.) added to the basal diet. 

* P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P  < 0.001, N.S: Not significant. 

 

Table-7. Apparent nutrient retention of broiler chickens. 

 

Treatment DDM° AAs¥ 
CP EE NDF AMEn 

(%) (kcal/kg) 

1 0% Normal 59.8 70.2 29.3 2934 

2 0% High 60.7 70.3 28.9 2911 
3 5% Normal 59.8 70.2 28.0 3037 
4 5% High 60.0 70.2 27.3 3068 
5 10% Normal 58.9 71.1 26.5 3085 
6 10% High 59.8 71.3 26.6 3072 
SEM±   0.4 0.5 0.5 55 

DDM Average       

0%   60.3 70.3 29.1 2923 

5%   59.9 70.2 27.6 3053 

10%   59.4 71.2 26.6 3079 

SEM±   0.3 0.4 0.4 39 
AAs Average       
Normal   59.2 70.5 27.9 3017 

High   60.2 70.6 27.6 3018 

SEM±   0.2 0.3 0.3 32 
Statistical 
Probabilities       

DDM   NS NS ** * 
AAs   NS NS NS NS 
DDM*AAs   NS NS NS NS 

°DDM: discarded date meal 
¥AAs: amino acids. High: 15% extra lysine (Lys.), methionine (Met.) and threonine (Thr.) added to the basal diet. 
abcmeans in the column with different superscripts differ significantly (* P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, N.S: Not significant). 

 

 

 

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