EFFECT OF SANDPAPER (Ficus exasperata) LEAF MEAL ON PERFORMANCE, CARCASS AND ORGAN CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHER BROILERS

Abstract

The trial evaluates effect of sandpaper leaf meal on performance, carcass and organ characteristics of finisher broiler chicks. Ficus exasperata leaf meal was included in the diets of the birds at 0% (control), 1%, 2% and 3% of 100kg feed in treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. A total of ninety-six (96) day old broiler chicks was used for this trial. The birds were randomly divided into four (4) treatments of three (3) replicates containing eight (8) birds each. Results; Highest (P<0.05) mortality value of 8.33% was recorded from the control group (T4) while 0% mortality was recorded from the birds that received 2% (T3) and 3% (T4). Highest feed conversion ratio value of 2.50 was recorded from the control group while least value of 2.25 was recorded form 3% (T4). Highest dressing percentage value of 79.06% was recorded from 3% (T4) while least value of 75.09% was recorded from 2% (T3). Values (P<0.05) recorded from primal cuts; drumstick, breast muscle, wings, back and neck did not follow any definite sequence and thus might not have been influenced by inclusion levels. Lower (P<0.05) liver values recorded from 1% (T2), 2% (T3) and 3% (T4) could be attributed to non-toxicity of sand paper leaf meal. From the findings of this study, performance of the birds was dose dependent as the group that received highest inclusion level (3%) T4 recorded the best performance in terms of weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality and meat yield.