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Palm kernel oil (PKO) is extracted from the seed (nuts or kernel) of the African oil palm. It is a very stable oil, high in lauric acid. Due to its high saponification index, it is widely used in the chemical industry, mainly for soap production. Its stability makes it is an excellent alternative oil for the food industry (bakery, confectionery, ice-cream, etc.). The widespread use of palm oil, and the higher yield of Asian species, have shifted the production hub from West Africa to Southeast Asia. This has resulted in a desired change towards new varieties, with higher proportion of palm pulp and less seeds (K.G. Berger, Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 2003). Chemical composition and nutritional value of palm kernel oil   Due to its high content of saturated fatty acids (>80%), palm kernel oil begins to solidify at around 20°C.  Lauric acid is the most abundant fatty acid; 99% of the palm kernel oil triglycerides contain at least one molecule of lauric acid.   The proportion of total lauric acid reaches its maximum level after the 14th week of maturation. The palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, which constitute 80% at 10 weeks after fructification, are reduced to 20% within the following 4 weeks (Hartley, 1957).

  Given the many variables that can affect flock health at any phase of the production cycle, poultry nutritionists and veterinarians face the ongoing challenge to maintain health and productivity through the use of feed additive “antibiotic alternative” solutions.   However, according 40% of respondents to Feed Strategy’s 2021 Poultry Feed & Nutrition survey, the inconsistent results they have experienced with feed additives alternatives ranks as their No. 1 challenge in making the transition.     Preventative treatment costs more money up front “because you’re worried about treating the birds if the health is compromised, but if you have to treat the birds, that’s going to change your kill schedule and that causes your product to be sold under a different label for the company.   Research evaluation Proof of concept Beyond a proposed mode of action, make sure the study proves it works in the areas where claims are made, e.g., a gut health product research includes scoring of the intestines, either in a challenge model or not, and shows improvements. Interactions Watch for potential interactions between different ingredients, which can have some antagonistic effects. “Do some in-house, in vitro testing, at least, to see if there are any kind of potential interactions that may exist. Or, you know, even in vivo, that would be great,” she said.