Inclusion of guarana by-products as alternative feeds in diets for slow-growing broilers

Abstract

The problem of animal feeding in the Amazon region has faced significant challenges, particularly in the poultry industry, where feed costs account for approximately 70% of total expenses. This problem is aggravated by the dependence on grains, where 100% of feed raw materials are imported. This reality requires the search for alternative ingredients that reduce costs and increase profitability. By-products of guarana, an Amazonian fruit of economic and social importance, emerge as a promising option. Expanding the use of by-products and agricultural residues as alternative components in animal nutrition can represent an economically advantageous strategy, since these materials are often abundant and low-cost. Given the underutilized potential of guarana residues, this project proposes integrating these by-products into the diet of slow-growing broiler chickens, thereby optimizing nutrient collection, improving zootechnical performance, and reducing environmental impact, ultimately promoting more sustainable and economically viable animal production. Additionally, a literature survey on the management and production of slow-growing broiler chickens was conducted, along with a systematic review of the primary studies on alternative feeds in Brazil. It is worth mentioning that before including the by-products in the diet, a survey of the cellular cytotoxicity and total phenols of guarana and its by-products was conducted, as well as a survey on the production of guarana in the state of Amazonas, as well as an analysis of the economic viability of the by-products and a sensory analysis of the breast of slow growing broiler chickens. In general terms, the results of this study demonstrate that the inclusion of guarana by-products in the diets of slow-growing broilers has the potential to significantly improve bird performance, increasing weight gain, improving feed conversion and providing a higher carcass yield, with cuts of higher commercial value. Its inclusion has proven to be economically viable and has achieved excellent acceptability among consumers. The inclusion of up to 10% guarana by-products in animal diets does not pose a risk of cell damage or death.