Evaluation of <i>Microdesmis puberula</i> leaf meal as feed ingredient in broiler starter diets

Centrosema (Centrosema pubescens) leaf meal as a protein supplement for broiler chicks production

“…However, Esonu et al (2003) reported that broiler chicks fed on 0.0, 5.0 and 10.0 percent Microdesmis puberula leaf meal had final body weight gain of 600.00, 550.00 and 551.00g/bird, respectively which agrees with the present study. Similarly, Ngodigha (1994) reported that broiler chickens fed on 0.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0% CLM supplements had final body weight of 1690, 1630, 1490 and 1280g/bird, respectively and concluded that broiler chickens can tolerate up to 15% CLM supplement without mortality, which is contrary to the present study, as the author reported non-significant (p<0.05) difference among the treatments.…”

“…However, negative effect of overdose of CLM was reported by Omeje et al (1997), they have concluded that 5 -10 % dietary inclusion of CLM resulted to elevation of weight gain for broiler chicken. A controversial observation was also reported by Esonu et al (2003), they suggested that 10% dietary inclusion of Microdesmia puberula leaf meal could be used in broiler finisher diets. Furthermore, Odunsi (2003) recommended 10 and 15% (100 and 150 g/kg) of Lablab purpureus leaf meal for laying hens.…”

“…from the forest, dried these leaves and process into meal for cattle and package them into bags for sale. Leaf meal supplements have been also included into the diets of poultry birds as a means of increasing weight and reducing cost of production (Topps, 1992;Odunsi et al, 1999;Nworgu & Fapohunda, 2002;Esonu et al, 2003;Nworgu et al, 2012). Various leaf meals such as Leucaena (Udedibie&Igwe, 1989), Amaranthus (Frageset al, 1993) and Centrosema (Ngodigha, 1994;Nworgu 2004) have been previously used in poultry diets by various researchers.…”

“…One of the possible sources of cheap protein is the leaf meal of some tropical legumes and browse plants (Nworgu & Fapohunda, 2002;Esonu et al, 2003). Leaf meal made from the leaf of fodder shrubs helping small-scale farmers of Tanzania to boost their income through poultry business (WAC, 2006).…”

Comparative evaluation of the nutrient profile of four selected browse plants in the tropics, recommended for use as non-conventional livestock feeding materials

“…Tel: +2348037225861. tropical grasses has also been recognized (Onwuka et al, 1989;Odunsi et al, 1996Odunsi et al, , 1999Esonu et al, 2003;Fashina et al, 2004;Okagbare et al, 2004;. Studies have shown that partial replacement of energy and protein sources from conventional feeding materials by these leaf meals neither affects productivity in terms of growth performance (Amata and Bratte, 2008), growth performance and cost reduction (Amata et al, 2009) nor hematological and serological characteristics .…”