Growth Response, Carcass and Internal Organ Characteristics of Finishing Broiler Chickens Fed Anthonotha Macrophylla (African Bean) Leaf Meal

Abstract

The effect of Anthonotha macrophylla (African bean) leaf meal on the growth response, carcass and internal organ characteristics of finisher broiler chickens were determined in a 35-day feeding trial. Chemical analysis indicated that the leaf meal is relatively high in crude protein (23.51%). Four experimental diets were formulated containing A. macrophylla leaf meal (ALM) at 0, 5, 7.5 and 10% levels; partly replacing soyabean in the diet. One hundred and sixty broiler chickens were used in the experiment. The birds were divided into four groups and each was randomly assigned to one of the diets using completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further replicated four times and each replicate contained 10 birds. Feed and water were provided ad libitum for the period. At day-63 four birds were randomly selected from each treatment, the birds were starved overnight, weighed and sacrificed by cutting through the jugular veins. The results showed that live weight, final weight and body weight gain of the bird were not significant (P>0.05) affected by the diets. The feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the birds were similar; the control had the best feed conversion ratio. Live weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage(s) of the slaughtered birds did not indicate significant (P>0.05) difference in their values. The internal organs of the birds were not affected by the diets and there was no observed abnormality on the organs. The results of the study therefore revealed that A. macrophylla leaf meal can successfully replace soya bean meal in broilers diet up to 10% inclusion level without adverse effect on their performance.