Effect of Raw Leucaena leucocephala Seeds Meal in the Diet of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

One hundred and twenty Marshall Breed broiler chickens were used to investigate the effect of raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds meal in the diet of broiler chickens. The birds were randomly assigned to the four treatments /diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), each treatment made up of three replicates each with 10 birds per replicate. With the exception of treatment one (T₁) which is the control, the other treatments T₂, T₃ and T₄ contained incorporated milled raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds meal at 2.50%, 5.00% and 7.50% respectively. The result showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the growth performance, cut-parts (expressed as % dressed weight) and in organ weights (expressed as % dressed weight). For haematological indices, the values were significantly different (P<0.05) for the parameters measured with the exception of hemoglobin (Hb). The values for the RBC, PCV, WBC and MCV, fell within the normal range of haematological indices for broiler chickens. For blood chemistry there were significant differences (P<0.05) for all the parameters measured. Values for total protein, albumin and urea for T₂ (2.5%) inclusion fell within the normal range for broiler production. From the economics of diet, in view of the cost/kgweight gain, weight gain, revenue and gross margin, birds on T₂ (2.5%) inclusion of raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds mealbased diets were most productive. In all, birds on 2.5% inclusion of raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds meal performed maximally or best than the rest. Hence soybean meal can be safely and most productively be replaced with 2.5% inclusion of raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds meal in the diet of broiler birds.