Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of crude and refin
ed palm (PAO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) in diets for broiler chickens.
In Experiment 1, refined PAO and PKO were compared with com oil (CO)
and poultry oil (PO) at levels up to 10%. In Experiment 2, refined PAO
and PKO were compared with PO at levels up to 8%. In Experiments 3 an
d 4, crude PAO and PKO were compared with PO at levels up to 8%. Diets
were formulated based on the energy level assigned to PAO; other oils
were added in amounts calculated to be isocaloric with an inert fille
r as required. Live production variables were measured. Samples of bir
ds were processed to determine carcass characteristics, and fatty acid
composition of adipose tissue was determined. In all studies, broiler
s fed crude or refined sources of PAO and PKO grew as well and utilize
d their feed as efficiently as those fed diets with isocaloric amounts
of CO or PO. There were minimal interactions of source and dietary le
vel of oil in any of the studies. Dressing percentage and quantity of
abdominal fat were not influenced by source of supplemental oil; howev
er, the fatty acid profile of adipose tissue was altered by the source
of supplemental oil. There were only minor differences in fatty acid
content of adipose tissue of broilers fed PAO (either crude or refined
) versus those fed PO. However, increasing levels of PKO resulted in i
ncreased deposition of saturated fatty acids, especially lauric and my
ristic acid, and decreased concentrations of both monoenoic and polyun
saturated fatty acids. the resulting change in hardness of adipose tis
sue may prove to be advantageous in marketing.