Productive and economic effects of adding CECT 5940 to bread waste-based diets in laying hens.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The high cost and limited availability of maize in poultry production necessitate the exploration of alternative feed sources. Bread waste (BW), a nutrient-rich by-product, offers a sustainable substitute. However, concerns regarding its protein degradation during processing and limited research in laying hens restrict its broader application. Probiotics such as CECT 5940 may enhance nutrient utilization and economic viability when combined with BW. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partially replacing maize meal with BW, with or without the inclusion of CECT 5940, on the productive performance and economic outcomes in laying hens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty 52-week-old Lohmann Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments (n = 20 per treatment; 4 replicates of 5 hens each): (T1) basal diet; (T2) basal diet with 20% BW replacing maize; and (T3) basal diet with 20% BW and 0.8% CECT 5940. Performance parameters and economic indicators, including feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratios, gross revenue, contribution margin, and break-even point, were assessed over 45 days.

RESULTS

No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in laying rate, egg mass, feed conversion per dozen eggs, or live weight across treatments. Economically, substituting 20% of maize with BW significantly reduced feed cost per kilogram and egg production cost per unit and per dozen (p < 0.05). The inclusion of further enhanced the profitability index, gross value added, and reduced the break-even point compared to T1 and T2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Replacing 20% of maize with BW, with or without CECT 5940, maintains productive performance in laying hens while significantly improving economic efficiency. This strategy offers a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional feed formulations in poultry production.