EFFECT OF BAMBUSA VULGARIS LEAF MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Bambusa vulgaris leaf meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Four experimental diets in form of mash were formulated to contain the Bambusa vulgaris leaf meal at (T1) 0%, (T2) 2.5%, (T3) 5% and (T4) 7.5% respectively, and were used to feed 120 day old Agrited breed of broilers. The day old chicks were randomly allotted to 4 treatment groups of 30 birds each. Each group was further divided into 3 replicate groups of 10 birds each and were assigned to the 4 treatment diets and water was given ad-libitum in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experiment lasted 56 days. Data obtained in each measured parameter was subjected to analysis of variance. The results of the performance of broilers fed diet containing leaf meal revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences and superiority over the control diets in the final weight and total weight gain. While T4 exhibited excellent performance in feed conversion ratio. The live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, back cut, breast muscle, thigh, wings and drumstick were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by BVLM inclusion levels of
finisher broilers and were appreciably increased at 5% and 7.5% dietary level of BVLM. The result revealed that broiler chickens could tolerate 5% to 7.5% dietary levels of BVLM without deleterious effects on their performance and carcass characteristics. It was therefore recommended that broiler diets be supplemented with Bambusa vulgaris leaf meal at 5% to 7.5% to enhance growth performance and quality carcass yield.