EFFECTS OF Gmelinaarborea, Roxb LEAVES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF Coturnixcoturnix japonica, Temmick

Abstract

Humans and livestock are competing for plant proteins which are shifting the dependency of human on plants to that of animals for protein despite insufficiency of animal protein. For reduction in the price of animal products there is need to use plant supplement(s) which can encourage higher growth rate or improve the quality of the animal products. One of such ingredients is Gmelina arborea leaf meal, a product of Gmelina arborea tree which is not in competition with man's dietary needs. But despite the abundance and availability of this resource in Nigeria, many studies have not been carried out on its nutritional value and use in poultry feeding, especially in Japanese quail. Based on the above, this research work was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying inclusion levels of Gmelina arborea Meal on growth of Japanese quail birds (Coturnix coturnix japonica).This study was carried out to conduct a thirty-six weeks feeding trial to determine the effect of feeding varying levels of Gmelina arborea leaf Meal on growth performance, using two (2) weeks old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Ninety-six birds were allocated to four dietary treatment groups with three (3) replicates of eight (8) birds each in a completely randomized design experiment with feeding ratio of Control (A) containing 0g/kg; B, 50g/kg; C, 100g/kg and D, 150g/kg of air-dried and ground Gmelina arborea. Feed and water were provided throughout the experimental period. Weight gain and feed utilization indices were the response criteria that were monitored, recorded and subjected to Statistical analysis. There were significant difference (P<0.05) observed for mean weight gain, percentage weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio. From this study, quail birds fed C (0g/Kg) followed by those fed T 1, (50g/kg) gave better results on the birds showing that Gmelinaarborea is dosage and time dependent and can be recommended in Japanese quail diets in that quantity but shorter duration.