MACAÚBA MEAL LEVELS IN THE DIET OF NAKED NECK BROILERS

Abstract A total of 375-day-old naked neck chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design in five diets with 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% macaúba meal levels to evaluate colonial broiler chickens. The data were submitted to linear or quadratic regression analysis according to the best fit for each studied variable using the statistical program SAS 9.0. Macaúba meal levels increased feed intake without influencing weight gain, resulting in worsening feed conversion and leading to a linear reduction in slaughter weight at 85 days and reduction in carcass yields due to higher abdominal fat deposition. Linear effects were found on the contents of a*, pH, ethereal extract, and ash in the breast and b*, moisture, ethereal extract, and ash in the drumstick + thigh. Thus, macaúba meal inclusion in the diet of naked neck broilers impaired performance by increasing diet intake, impairing feed conversion and reducing carcass yields. However, it favors breast, drumstick, and thigh colors because it is rich in carotenoids.