Valorisation of cocoa tree husks, Theobroma cacao, as feed for ducks in the Antalaha District, Madagascar

Abstract

The present article was based on the valorization of cocoa husks in feed mills. Our main objective is to test the use of varied proportions of cocoa pod pericarp powder with other raw materials of organic origin in duck rations in order to determine its effects on the growth performance of the animals. Our methodology is based on production of organic feed, chemical analyzes in the laboratory and experimentation. Based on experience, cocoa shell flour has considerable nutritional values. Three experimental batches were used for nine ducklings. The best daily weight growth performance is observed in Lot C at 65 % of cocoa shell flour. The average daily weight gains of this Lot C (5.672 g/d) is very significant compared to the others during the six (06) weeks of experimentation. Ducklings cannot eat pure cocoa shell flour because of its somewhat bitter taste, but they will eat food mixed with this flour. Despite the adaptation of these ducklings during the experiment, none of them died.