Carcass, internal organs, duodenal digesta bacteria and economics of broilers fed dry African porridge (Tetraptera tetrapluera) pod meal

Abstract

A study was conducted to ascertain the potential of African Porridge pod meal as natural feed additive to improve broiler performance. Its effect on carcass, internal organs, duodenal bacteria and economic benefits were examined. One hundred and twenty (120) 1-day old mixed sex Ross chicks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (T1 – T4) containing 0.0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75%dry African porridge pod meal respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate in a complete randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum for 8 weeks. Dressed percentage was significantly reduced (P<0.05) by African porridge pod meal which posted 68.96 - 71.93% as against 76.96% by the control. The cut-parts were not improved significantly. Abdominal fat deposition, bile secretion were increased and pancreas enlarged (P<0.05)by 0.50 and 0.75% levels of African porridge pod meal. Feeding of African porridge pod meal did not alter the nutritional value and pH of the meat. The spice showed antibacterial activity against salmonella and E. coli in the duodenum. The economic benefit was not improved, but the same as the control. In conclusion, in terms of carcass yield use of African porridge podmeal could not be advocated, but considering its antibacterial effect it could be used at 0.25% to modulate the gut of broilers.