EFFECT OF COMBINATION OF LEMON GRASS AND BLACK PLUM LEAF MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER FINISHER BIRDS

Abstract

Effect of combination of lemon grass and black plum leaf meal on growth performance of broiler finisher birds formed the basis of this research work. One hundred and twenty (120), four weeks old broiler birds were used for the research work. The birds were randomly distributed into five treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD) with eight (8) birds per replicate. Five experimental diets were compounded with treatment 1 containing 0% lemon grass leaf meal and black plum leaf meal, which served as the control. Treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained lemon grass leaf meal and black plum leaf meal at the levels and ratio of 1:4, 2:3, 3:2 and 4:1 respectively. Proximate analysis of lemon grass leaf meal and black plum leaf meal were also carried out. Feed and water were given ad-libitum throughout the experimental period. Growth performance parameters studied were significant (P<0.05) among treatment group. Birds in treatment 4 were superior (P<0.05) with values of 3018.98g, 1572.19g, 4246.85g and 2.70 corresponding to final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Considering the results of the findings in the present research work, a conclusion can be drawn that a combination of lemon grass and black plum leaf meal is viable with positive results in terms of performance, with the higher value obtained in treatment 4 specifically.