Amaranth Oil Cake in Poultry Nutrition: A New Standard for Efficiency and Health

In the search for alternative protein sources and ways to reduce production costs, poultry farmers are increasingly turning to amaranth oil cake. This byproduct of oil extraction is a true "superfood," capable of significantly improving broiler growth rates and laying hen productivity.

Why is Amaranth Oil Cake Beneficial?

Unlike traditional sunflower or soybean meal, amaranth oil cake possesses a unique chemical composition:

• High Lysine Content: Amaranth surpasses most cereal crops in this essential amino acid.

• Squalene: A unique substance that boosts the birds' immunity and provides antioxidant effects.

• Highly Digestible Protein: The protein absorption coefficient of amaranth reaches 75–80%.

• Rich Mineral Profile: High levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.

Results for Broilers

Research and practical experience show that including amaranth oil cake in the diet of broiler chickens (averaging 5–10% of the total feed mass) yields the following results:

1. Growth Rates and Feed Conversion: Due to a balanced amino acid profile, young birds gain live weight faster. There is a noticeable reduction in feed intake per 1 kg of gain.

2. Meat Quality: The meat of amaranth-fed broilers features higher Vitamin E content, better fiber structure, and lower cholesterol levels.

3. Flock Preservation: Amaranth acts as a natural immunomodulator, making birds more resistant to stress (temperature fluctuations, relocation) and intestinal diseases.

Results for Laying Hens

For layers, the optimal share of oil cake in the diet is 7–12%. Farm owners report:

Feeding Recommendations

• Gradual Introduction: Start with 2–3% of the ration, increasing to the target dose over 7–10 days.

• Dosage Compliance: Do not exceed 15–20% for adult birds to maintain fiber balance.

• Freshness Control: Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the oxidation of residual healthy oils.

Important: Using amaranth oil cake allows for a partial or total reduction in synthetic vitamin additives, making your products more eco-friendly.

To calculate an accurate ration, it is important to understand that poultry needs change depending on age and production goals. Since amaranth oil cake is rich in protein ($18\text{--}24\%$) and lysine, it can replace part of expensive soybean or sunflower components.

Below are the basic calculations for the two most popular categories: broilers (finisher stage) and laying hens.

1. Ration for Broilers (Finisher Period, 4 weeks+)

During this period, it is crucial to ensure maximum weight gain and meat quality.

2. Ration for Laying Hens (High Productivity)

The focus here is on shell strength and reproductive system health.

How to adapt the calculation yourself?

If you want to replace part of your current feed with amaranth, use the "Proportional Substitution" formula:

• Soybean replacement: Amaranth oil cake can replace soybean cake at a 1:1 ratio for up to 30% of the total soybean portion.

• Premix reduction: Since amaranth is high in Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins, adding 15% oil cake allows you to reduce vitamin premix costs by 10-15%.

Practical Mixing Tip:

Amaranth oil cake has a fine texture. To prevent it from settling at the bottom of the feeder (de-mixing), add 1-2% feed-grade oil (sunflower or amaranth) to the dry mix. This will "bind" the components together and make the feed more palatable for the birds.

Nutritional Comparison: Amaranth Oil Cake vs. Soybean Meal