August 22, 2006

Research focuses on use of glycerin in chicken feed

Glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production, may be used as a dietary supplement in chicken feeds in future, according to research by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Uses of glycerin, which currently includes cosmetics and other products, would be further expanded if the research proves to be successful. The supply of glycerin is expected to surge as biodiesel production expands in the next few years.

The research group, led by Park Waldroup, found that they could feed up to 10 percent glycerine to chicks up to 16 days old with no detrimental effects on performance.

A more extensive feeding study with chicks grown to market age is also being done to evaluate glycerin's effects on performance and meat quality.