The potential of cassava products in diets for poultry

Inadequate supply, exorbitant prices and diversion towards using cereal grains for biofuel production, particularly maize, has led to a constant search for alternative energy sources for poultry and other non-ruminant species. The abundant availability of cassava in certain regions makes it a good alternative to maize and other cereal grains. Cassava root meal is rich in carbohydrate but low in protein and all other nutrients, whereas, cassava leaf meal is a moderate source of protein. Results of studies to evaluate the replacement of cereals with cassava products in poultry feed show wide variability due to differences in origin, variety, plant maturity at harvest, ecological conditions of plant growth and processing methods. Cassava products contain a wide range of cyanogenetic glycosides, particularly linamarin and lotaustralin. The level of hydrocyanic acid released from the cyanogenetic glycosides limits the utilization of cassava, but with proper processing, the dietary inclusion level of cassava meal can be increased for economic poultry production. This paper reviews the nutrient composition of cassava and its uses as a substitute for more conventional ingredients in poultry diets.