EGG QUALITY RESPONSE OF GUINEA HEN TO DIETARY INCLUSION OF SUNFLOWER LEAF MEAL AND GLIRICIDIA LEAF MEAL

T. A. Rafiu; K. A. Ojo; A. A. Aderinto; B. F. Oshagbemi; H. T. Gemiro; C. T. Sodehinde

doi:10.51791/njap.vi.7411

Authors

T. A. Rafiu Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
K. A. Ojo Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
A. A. Aderinto Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
B. F. Oshagbemi Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
H. T. Gemiro Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
C. T. Sodehinde Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.7411

Abstract

Forty (40) matured guinea hen were used for the experiment to evaluate the effects of sunflower leaf Meal (SLM) and Gliricidia leaf meal (GLM) on the performance characteristics and egg quality parameter of guinea fowl under intensive system. They were randomly and equally distributed to 5 treatment of two (2) replicates each, in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were formulated such that Diet i and ii contained 20g/kg and 30g/kg of GLM respectively, Diet iii and iv contained 20g/kg and 30g/kg of SLM respectively while Diet v contained none of the two leaf meals. The birds were fed the ‘diets for ten weeks. Highest feed cost per birds per week was recorded from 20g/kg GLM (78.26), followed by 30g/kg SLM (75.94), but statistically similar. to control while 20g/kg SLM had least value (58.92) and significantly (P<0.05) lower than 30g/kg GLM (64.44). Birds fed 30g/kg SLM had the highest hen-day production value (52. 38) which was statistically (P<0.05) different from others. Egg quality parameters showed significant (P< 0.05) differences among the treatments with egg weight, shell thickness, shell surface area (SSA) and Egg Shape Index (ESI) being enhanced by the test ingredients. Haugh unit showed no significant (P> 0. 05) difference. Egg weight, shell thickness, SSA and yolk percentage were positively influence by increasing inclusion levels of both gliricidia and sunflower. Yolk colour was improved as the inclusion levels increases with sunflower leaf meal, having better value than gliricidia. The use of sunflower leaf meal at 30g/kg could therefore be recommended.