Work

Productive Performance and Economic Feasibility of the Inclusion of Biological Silage From Colossoma macropomum By-Products in Diets for Commercial Hens 1

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study evaluated the productive performance and economic feasibility of including biological silage from Colossoma macropomum by-products (BST) in the diets of commercial laying hens at different stages of the production cycle. Two experiments were conducted using young hens (23 weeks old) and older hens (83 weeks old), fed diets containing 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% BST for 63 days. Productive performance (feed intake, egg production and mass, feed conversion) and economic parameters (feed cost, revenue, profit, break-even point, and profitability index) were analyzed. In young hens, inclusion levels up to 1% BST resulted in performance and profitability similar to the control group, while higher levels significantly impaired egg production and economic indicators. In older hens, inclusion levels of 1% to 2% provided better productive performance and greater financial returns, particularly due to reduced unit egg cost and increased profitability. From 3% onward, negative effects similar to those observed in the first group were noted. It is concluded that BST is a viable alternative ingredient in layer diets, provided its inclusion is adjusted according to the birds’ production phase. The rational use of BST promotes the valorization of regional residues, contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of poultry farming in the Amazon region.

Source: Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science

DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2025-2135