ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to analyze the potential use of açaí seeds as an alternative ingredient in the feed of slow-growth broilers until 28 days of age. We carried out a bromatological analysis of fractions of the açaí fruit. The açaí seed without mesocarp was the best choice for formulation of the açaí seed bran (ASB), which was evaluated in terms of bird performance and economic viability of the supplemented feed. A total of 416 male chicks of the French Red-Naked Neck lineage were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 2, 6 and 10% inclusion of ASBin the feed) with eight replicates each. The results indicated that ASB can be included in proportions of up to 10% in the diet of slow growth broilers at early development stage without impairing performance. The 10% inclusion level also was economically equal to the control treatment, representing a viable alternative for broiler production, with potential for reduction of the negative impacts generated by açaí residue in the environment.
KEYWORDS:
alternative feed; chicken; agroindustrial residue; sustainability; Euterpe oleraceae