Effects of roasted leucaena leucocaphala leaf metal on the performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

The effect of graded dietary levels of roasted Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (RLLM) on performance of broiler chickens was studied. Three hundred and twenty broiler chickens, 4 weeks of age, were randomly allotted to four dietary levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%) of RLLM in iso nitrogenous diets. The RLLM replaced soya bean meal at those levels. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Results indicated that there were no significant (P>0.05) treatment effects on average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ration. Eviscerated weights, breast, drumstick and thigh, wing, neck, gizzard, liver and bile, hear and spleen weights as percent of live weight were also not significantly (P>0.05) affected. Results showed that substituting RLLM for soyabean at 5, 10 and 15% of the diet was not beneficial in reducing the total cost of proudcution. Based on the data obtained, further studies using higher levels of RLLM in broiler fed are recommended.

Keywords: Roasted Leucacena leucocephala leaf meal, broiler chickens, carcass characteristics.


(Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(4): 477-482)