Effects of Low Crude Protein (Moringa oleifera Pod Meal) Diets Fortified with Amino Acids onPerformance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Birds
Authors/Creators
- 1. Department of Agricultural Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana – Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
- 2. Department of Animal Production and Health Technology, Imo State Polytechnic Omuma, Nigeria.
- 3. Department of Microbiology, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
- 4. Universidad Católica de Temuco, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Temuco, Chile.
Description
A four week feeding trial involving 48 four weeks old Anak 2000 broiler finisher birds were conducted to assess the impacts of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) pod meal on broiler chickens. The birds were randomly assigned in equal numbers in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to four dietary treatments containing 0, 5, 10, and 15% Moringa pod meal (MPM). Each treatment was replicated three times giving 12 birds per replicate. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. The parameters measured were feed intake, initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and carcass traits. Final weight, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency significantly (p<0.05) declined with increasing level of MPM. None of the carcass traits measured was significantly affected by addition of MPM. Cost benefit analysis showed that incorporation of MPM resulted in reduced feed cost. However, the net revenue from birds fed diets containing MPM reduced as a result of poor weight gain. Based on the data obtained in this study it is concluded that Moringa oleifera pod meal when incorporated in finisher broiler diets may impede growth rate of the birds. Nonetheless, addition of MPM does not adversely affect mortality and carcass traits.