Effect of feeding varying levels of subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal on the performance of broiler chicken
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Date
2022-09
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College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding varying levels of
subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal on on growth, nutrient utilization, blood
biochemical profile, carcass characteristics and to evaluate economics of feeding in
commercial broiler chicken. One hundred eighty (N=180) commercial broiler chicks
(Vencobb 400) were randomly distributed into 4 groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) on live
weight basis comprising of 45 chicks in each group with three replicates of 15 chicks in
each. The control group (T0) was fed with a standard pre starter, starter and finisher
broiler ration as per ICAR (2013) specifications. The chicks belonging to group T1 was
fed with standard ration along with 5% inclusion of subabul leaf meal. Birds belonging
to group T2 and T3 were fed rations along with inclusion of 10% and 15% subabul leaf
meal, respectively in all pre-starter, starter and finisher phases. At the end of pre-starter,
starter and finisher phases blood samples were collected and analysed for blood
biochemical parameters. Three birds from each group were slaughtered to study the
carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat. The economics of feeding and
broiler production were evaluated.
Highly significant (p<0.001) differences were observed in weekly change in body
weight, weekly and total gain in body weight, weekly and total feed intake, feed
conversion ratio, digestibility of nutrients, retention of nitrogen. Dietary inclusion of
subabul leaf meal at 5% level had no adverse effect on growth performance, digestibility
of nutrients and carcass characteristics. Non-significant (p>0.05) differences were
observed in retention of calcium and phosphorus, dressing percentage, yield of prime
cuts, serum total protein, total cholesterol and total triglyceride level. Cost of production
when calculated revealed that inclusion of subabul leaf meal at 5% level in broiler rations
was more profitable than feeding diets without any inclusion or beyond 5% level of
inclusion i.e. 10% and 15%. The highest gross profit was observed in treatment group T1,
receiving 5% inclusion of subabul leaf meal. Hence, the study indicated that broilers
could be reared more economically and profitably on broiler rations with 5% level of
subabul leaf meal inclusion.