Effects of diets containing alkali-treated Soybeans on performance traits, nutrient digestibility and cost benefits of broiler chickens

The effects of diets containing different alkali-treated soybeans on performance traits, nutrient digestibility and cost implication of broiler chickens was evaluated using 240 day-old Anak broiler chickens that were randomly divided into four (4) experimental groups of three replicates each. The soybeans were treated in alkali as follows: soaked in water as T1 (control), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) as T2, Potassium carbonate (K2CO3) as (T3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as T4. The alkali-treated soybeans were incorporated into the diets at both starter and finisher phases using a completely randomized design. There were significant (P<0.05) variations in performance parameters, nutrient retention and bio-economic implication indices measured. The use of potassium carbonate (1% K2CO3) and sodium carbonate (1% Na2CO3) in the processing of soybean recorded greater improvement in the performance traits, nutrient retention and economic returns. These factors accounted for the overall best performance recorded in 1% K2CO3 - treated soybeans which was closely followed by 1% Na2CO3 treated soybean base diets.