Effect of supplementing curry, mint and pawpaw leaves on growth performance and carcass yield of spent layers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess growth performance and carcass yield of spent layer chickens fed diets supplemented with curry, mint and pawpaw leaves and their combinations. A total of 210 spent layers were randomly assigned to seven broiler finisher diets (BFD) containing 0% supplement, pawpaw leaf powder (PLP), 2% curry leaf powder (CLP), 2% mint leaf powder (MLP), 1 and 2% CLP+ 1% PLP, 1% MLP+ 1% PLP and 1% CLP+1% MLP levels of supplements in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experiment lasted for 21 days including initial seven days adaptation period. Proximate analysis, growth performance and carcass yield were evaluated. The data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that combination of MLP and PLP at 1:1 ratio enhanced average daily feed intake while 2% supplement of CLP decreased average daily gain. Results also indicated that 2% PLP supplement increased carcass and primal cuts yield. Supplementation of 2% PLP in the diet of spent layers significantly improves growth performance and carcass yield.