Protein and Energy Value of Peanut Hull and Wood Shaving Poultry Litters

Three digestion and metabolism trials were conducted with 10 yearling wethers to study the protein and energy value of autoclaved peanut hull and wood shaving broiler litters, when each was incorporated at levels of 25 and 50% in a corn-hay basal ration. Apparent digestibility of crude protein was not significantly different among rations. Crude fiber digestibility of the litter rations was higher (P<.01) than that of the control ration. Dry matter, NFE and energy digestibility were lower (P<.01) for the litter rations and decreased (P<.01) when the litter level in the ration was increased from 25 to 50%. Crude fiber digestibility of the litters was depressed (P<.01) when the level of litter was increased from 25 to 50%. There were no other significant differences in digestibility between kinds or levels of litter. The average apparent digestibility of the crude protein of the litters was 72.5%. There were no significant differences in digestible protein, digestible energy, metabolizable energy and TDN content (dry basis) between kinds or levels of litter. Average values were 22.7%, 2440 kcal. per kg., 2181 kcal. per kg. and 59.8%, respectively.