Utilization of leucaena leaf meal as a protein supplement in broiler finisher rations

Abstract

Ninety finisher broiler birds averaging 586.06g and 28-days old were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments in which a multipurpose tree (MPTs) Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLM) replaced soybean meal (SBM) at levels of 0.00, 5.25 and 10.50% for a period of 42 days using performance characteristics and economy of production as assessment criteria. Birds fed the 0% LLM (diet A) and 10.50% LLM (diet C) consumed more (P<0.05) feed than the birds fed 5.25% LLM (diet B). Average daily weight gain (ADG) of birds fed diet A was significantly (P<0.05) higher than ADG of birds fed diet C and birds fed diet B recorded the least (P<0.05) ADG. However, the efficiency of feed utilization were similar (P> 0.05) among birds fed the three diets. The cost of feed intake per live weight gained of birds fed 5.25% LLM inclusion was higher than the value obtained for birds fed the control diet by 1.65% but birds fed 10.5% LLM inclusion recorded a 4.56% reduction value over birds fed (control) diet A.

Keywords: Broiler, Leucaena leafmeal, performance and production economy.