Growth Performance of Different Broiler Strains Fed Mimosa diplotricha Leaf Meal

Abstract

One hundred and twenty (120) Arbor acre, Cobbs and Ross broilers strains were used to determine the effect of Mimosa diplotricha leaf meal (MDLM) on the growth performance of the different commercial broiler birds. The different strains were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, with 40 birds per group and replicated thrice with 10 birds per replicate and 10 birds as control, in a completely randomized block design (CRBD). Two experimental diets were prepared and used in feeding the birds during the starter and finisher phases of chicks rearing and contained each case either zero MDLM as control or 2% MDLM as treatment feed. The data on feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio was collected during the starter and finisher phases of feeding. The result obtained revealed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatments for all growth parameters measured. The breed Arbor acre strain recorded better performance than other breeds for all the growth parameters measured at both starter and finisher phases. Hence the breed Arbor acre is recommended when feeding broilers with feed containing 2% Mimosa diplotricha leaf meal