A note on the effect of <i>Gliricidia sepium</i> leaf meal on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Abstract

A five-week feeding trial was conducted using 180 Cobb commercial broiler chickens to study the inclusion of sun dried Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (GLM) in broiler diets. The 21-day-old chickens were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments. Fifty, 100 and 150 g kg -1 levels of GLM were included in a nutritionally balanced diet. The control diet did not contain GLM. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and body weight gains were significantly (P<0.05) depressed by the addition of GLM to the diets. Dietary treatment had a significant impact on liver and gizzard weights. The abdominal fat content of carcass decreased progressively with increased levels of GLM. The carcass dressing percentage in the group fed diet with 15% GLM was lower (P<0.05) than in control group. No mortality was recorded throughout the study. As the level of dietary GLM increased, there was a corresponding increase in the intensity of yellow pigmentation of the skin, shanks, feet and beaks of birds. It seems that 50 g kg -1 GLM can be included into diets of broiler chickens.

Evaluation of the Proximate, Chemical and Phytochemical Composition of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> Leaf Meal as Potential Food/Feedstuff for Man and Non Ruminant Livestock.

“…Crude fibre was 15.87 ± 0.42 %, Ash content of 13.67 ± 0.01% and the Crude fat was 7.65 ± 0.009%. The carbohydrate value of 44.52% reported here is similar to 39.70% reported by Indian Export (2010) and for Carica papaya (41.35%)Olomu (2011) but higher than 32.00% 10.89%, and Leuceana (37.15%) reported by Gadzirayi et al (2012), Okeke et al (2010).and Olomu (2011) but lower than Gliricidia (48.00%) (Kagya-Agyemang et al 2007). Carbohydrates of legumes are known to reduce the plasma cholesterol and gradually elevate the levels of blood glucose (Leeds 1982;Walker, 1982).…”

“…. The Crude protein value (18.29%)is lower than (22.89%, 25.10% & 29.00%) reported by Indo Export (2010), Gadzirayi et al (2012), Okeke et al(2010).and those for Carica papaya and Leuceana (38.20%, 37.40%, ) Olomu (2011) but similar to 18.20% reported for Gliricidia sepium (Kagya-Agyemang et al 2007). .…”

The Efficacy of High-Protein Tropical Forages as Alternative Protein Sourcesfor Chickens: A Review

“…Kagya-Agyemang et al [92] recommended an inclusion level of not more than 5% Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (GSLM) in broiler diets as he recorded a better carcass dressing percentage at this level, while a progressive decrease in carcass dressing percentage was observed at higher inclusion rates, with a 15% inclusion level having a significantly (p < 0.05) lower carcass dressing percentage. However, there was a corresponding increase in the intensity of yellow pigmentation of the skin, shanks, feet, and beaks of the birds.…”

“…This impairment might be due to increasing fiber content and anti-nutritional factors present in Gliricidia leaf meal (GLM). These constituent include alkaloids, tannins, and nitrates that can decrease the palatability of diets with GSLM [92].…”

Potenciales de las fuentes no convencionales de proteína en la alimentación de animales no rumiantes

“…At 5% inclusion level, cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaf meal (MELM) in broiler finisher diets was reported to confer a significant (p<0.05) increase in feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and organ weight of birds without any deleterious effects (Iheukwumere et al, 2008) over those with 10 and 15% inclusion levels. Kagya-Agyemang et al (2007) recommended an inclusion level of not more than 5% Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (GSLM) in broiler diets as he recorded a better carcass dressing percentage at this level while a progressive decrease in carcass dressing percentage was observed at higher inclusion rate with 15% inclusion level having a significantly (p<0.05) lowest carcass dressing percentage. However, there was a corresponding increase in the intensity of yellow pigmentation of the skin, shanks, feet and beaks of birds.…”