Performance of improved indigenous grower chicken in Kenya fed enzyme-treated Moringa (M. oleifera) leaf meal-based diets

Abstract

A feeding trial was done to investigate the impact of inclusion of enzyme-treated Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, feed intake and point of lay of improved indigenous grower chicken. Ninety chicken were randomly allocated to six treatment diets in a completely randomised design with a factorial layout, with each treatment having five chickens per cage, replicated three times. The following were the dietary treatments used: T1 -comprised of 0kg MOLM and 0g enzyme, T2 -comprised of 0kg MOLM and 0.035g enzyme, T3 -comprised of 20kg MOLM and 0g enzyme, and T4 -comprised of 20kg MOLM and 0.035g enzyme, T5-diet comprised of 40kg MOLM and 0g enzyme, T6-diet comprised of 40kg MOLM and 0.035g enzyme of the diet, respectively. The statistical analysis system's general linear model (GLM) approach was used in the data analysis. Tukey's test (p<0.05) was used to differentiate significant means. When comparing diets T5&T6 to the control, the results showed that feed intake differed significantly (p<0.05). The ADG of the MOLMbased diets was significantly (p<0.05) lower in comparison to the control diet. The point of lay of the chicken fed MOLM-based diets differed significantly (p<0.05) from the control. The study recommended inclusion levels of enzyme-treated MOLM at 10-20% which would improve performance.

Nutrient composition of Sorghum-Based Rations and their effect on growth of Improved Indigenous Chicken in Western Kenya

“…Indigenous chicken is a critical component in improving food security, socio-cultural development and economic growth. The chicken is robust and can thrive in tough environments with minimal inputs (Muremera et al, 2022). Improved indigenous chicken breeds namely Kuroiler, Rainbow Rooster, Kebro, and KALRO Naivasha were developed from various indigenous chicken ecotypes to enhance the productivity of indigenous poultry .…”