The Value of Methanol-derived Single-cell Protein for Broilers

Abstract Broiler-type chicks were used in four experiments to determine the nutritional value of a methanol-derived single-cell protein (SCP). The trials ran from 7 to 28 days of age, with SCP replacing soybean meal up to 15% of the diet. The powdery consistency of SCP tended to reduce body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency when fed at 9% or more of the diet when diets were fed as mash. Pelleting diets containing SCP eliminated these effects. The response to supplemental methionine in SCP diets was similar to that of corn-soybean meal diets. When diets were pelleted, substitution of SCP for soybean meal, on a weight-for-weight basis at levels up to 15% of the diet produced greater and more efficient gains.