Effect of Deoiled Jojoba Meal on Feed Intake in Chickens:  Satiating or Taste Effect?

Abstract

Jojoba is an oilseed shrub of the desert. Deoiled jojoba meal represents a potential ingredient for animal feed due to its high protein content. However, a jojoba-rich diet decreases feed intake. This study aimed to discriminate between satiation and palatability effects of jojoba meal in chickens. In a first experiment, broilers did not freely prefer jojoba meal-supplemented feed when they had another choice. A second experiment was based on a model that could differentiate satiety from palatability effects. A satiety factor inhibited feed intake to a lesser degree in fasted than in nonfasted chickens, whereas the reduction in feed intake due to an unpalatable tasting agent was less affected by hunger. When feed was supplemented with jojoba meal, the reduction in feed intake did not differ between fasted and nonfasted chickens. In conclusion, jojoba meal reduces feed intake in chickens by its taste rather than by inducing satiation. Keywords: Jojoba; chickens; feed restriction; taste; satiation