Utilization of Acacia Saligna Leaf Meal as a Non-Traditional Feedstuff by Local Growing Hens Under Desert Conditions

Abstract

his experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of using Acacia saligna leaf meal (ASLM) as a non-traditional feedstuff in Mamourah growing hens diets under desert conditions on the performance and economical efficiency of feed. One hundred eighty Mamourah growing hens 10 weeks of age were used in an experiment until 18 weeks of age. The experimental hens were randomly distributed into four equal groups, each group has 45 hens divided into three replicates with 15 hens each. The first group was received a basal diet as a control (0% ASLM) while the second, third and fourth groups were fed 4, 8 and 12% ASLM respectively. The current results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in live body weight at 18 weeks of age with groups fed 4 and 8% ASLM compared to the other groups, while the effect of treatment was non-significant with the other ages. The best significant (P < 0.05) values of weight gain and feed conversion ratio were recorded with groups of hens fed 4% and 8% of ASLM in all periods of the experiment. There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in feed intake with increasing the level of ASLM in the diet at the experimental periods from 10 to 14 and 10 to 18 weeks of age while this effect was not significant from 14 to 18 weeks of age. The group of hens that received 12% ASLM in the diet showed the lowest performance in comparison with the other groups. On the other hand, the level of 8% ASLM resulted in the best net return, economical efficiency and relative economical efficiency percent and the least feed cost of kg gain. Data of amino acids content of ASLM showed that methionine was the first limiting essential amino acid, while lysine were the second limiting amino acids. From the nutritional and economical efficiency viewpoints, Acacia saligna leaf meal could be used successfully and safely in the formulation of a diet for Mamourah growing hens up to 8% without adversely affecting on their performance under desert conditions.

Effect of Acacia karroo Leaf Meal Inclusion Levels on Performance and Gut Morphology of Broiler Chickens

“…AKLM inclusion levels did not affect FI, FCR, GR, and LW of both male and female broilers during the last 3 weeks of the trial period. Similar observations were made by Lerdsuwan and Nalinanon (2017) and El-Galil et al (2019).…”

The effect of Acacia nilotica bark extract on growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune response, and intestinal morphology in broilers as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter

“…In another study, inclusion of 10% A. nilotica seed meal significantly improved weight gain and FCR with lowest feed cost per unit weight gain in broilers [ 25 ]. A. nilotica leaf meal supplementation also increase the weight gain and economic efficiency with suitable FCR in broilers [ 26 ]. Improved growth performance and FCR during this experiment and previous studies [ 13 – 15 ] might be due to presence of bioactive compounds in extract which stimulate the production of digestive enzymes [ 15 ] and improved the nutrients’ digestibility [ 27 , 28 ].…”

The Potential Use of Acacia Leaf Meal as Protein Feed Source for Poultry Diets: A Review

“…According to Fuentes et al (2012), Acacia schaffneri seed meal can effectively be used in the backyard production system to partially replace expensive protein and energy feed sources in poultry diets. Abd El-Galil et al (2018) also found that Acacia saligna leaf meal can be utilised in chicken diets without any negative effects on their performance and further recommended its use. However, there is limited information on the use of Acacia meals as a protein source in the diets of other poultry species such as indigenous chickens, ducks, turkeys, ostriches, and guinea fowls.…”

“…According to Moyo et al (2012) tannins found in leguminous trees are regarded as one natural antioxidant substance. (Ngwa et al, 2002;Mokoboki et al, 2005;Al-soqeer, 2008;Mapiye et al, 2011;Nsahlai et al, 2011;Fuentes et al, 2012;Mbongeni, 2013;Ng'ambu et al, 2013;Zia-Ul-Haq et al, 2013;Brown et al, 2016;Ncube et al, 2017b;Mthethwa, 2018;Gudiso et al, 2019;Abd El-Galil et al, 2018;Gebremeskel et al, 2019;Aruwayo et al, 2020;Otemuyiwa et al, 2020). Sources: (Mapiye et al, 2011;Fuentes et al, 2012;Mbongeni, 2013;Ncube et al, 2017b;Mthethwa, 2018;Abd El-Galil et al, 2018).…”

“…The economic efficiency of utilizing Acacia meals in poultry diets has been reported in studies mainly focusing on broiler chicken production. Abd El-Galil et al (2018) observed that the inclusion of 8% Acacia saligna leaf meal in Mamourah growing hens diet resulted in higher net returns, percentage of economical efficiency, and relative economical efficiency of feed, and least feed cost of kg gain compared to other inclusion levels. Hassan and Abd El-Dayem.…”