Inclusion of processed casimiroa (Casimiroa edulis L.) seed kernel meal on performance, egg quality, and economic returns of White Leghorn layers

Abstract

Modern poultry farming aims to increase productivity and reduce production costs while promoting the efficient utilization of alternative feed resources without compromising bird health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of processed Casimiroa edulis seed kernel (CSK) meal on production performance, egg quality, and economic returns in White Leghorn layers. A total of 132 hens were assigned to four dietary treatments (0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% CSK) in a completely randomized design with three replicates of 11 birds each. Birds were fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets for 90 days. Feed intake, body weight, and mortality did not differ significantly ( P  > 0.05) among treatments. However, hen-day egg production, hen-housed egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio showed significant differences ( P  < 0.05), following a quadratic response—improving at 3.0% CSK but declining at 4.5% CSK. Egg quality traits, including shell weight, shell thickness, albumen height, and Haugh unit, exhibited a linear response to increasing CSK levels. Yolk color also differed significantly ( P  < 0.05) with linear and quadratic trends; the most intense pigmentation occurred at 1.5% and 3.0% CSK. All sensory parameters remained unaffected ( P  > 0.05). Economically, feed costs decreased marginally with higher CSK inclusion, yet the 3.0% level generated the highest net return and marginal rate of return relative to the control and the 4.5% CSK group. Based on the evaluated results, the inclusion of up to 3% processed CSK meal in White Leghorn layer diets is suggested to enhance laying rate, eggshell and albumen quality, yolk pigmentation, and profitability without compromising sensory properties.