Phytochemical assessment and utilization of African porridge (<i>Tetrapluera tetraptera</i>) fruits by broiler chickens

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine the proximate and photochemical composition of dry milled African porridge (Tetrapluera tetraptera) fruit pod and its effect on growth performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty-day old mixed sex chicks of Ross strain were used. There were 4 dietary treatments. Treatment 1 (control) contained no T. tetraptera; treatments 2 to 4 contained 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5g/kg T. tetraptera respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate in a complete randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum for 8 weeks. The pod contained 6.70% crude protein, 1.44% ether extract, 4.62% crude fibre, 74.17% nitrogen free extract, and 5.96mg/100g hydrogen cyanide and 4.06mg/ 100g tannins. At the starter phase, final live weight was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by T. tetraptera at all the levels. Addition of 7.5g/kg T. tetratptera significantly reduced daily feed intake compared to control. Feed intake was not significantly (P>0.05) affected. Feed: gain ratio was also negatively affected by all the levels of T. tetraptera, with the control having significantly (P<0.05) superior feed: gain ratio. At the finisher level, final live weight and daily weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by 7.5g/kg compared to the control and other levels. Control had the best final live weight. Daily weight gain was similar (P>0.05) in control, 2.5 and 5.0g/kg. Feed intake was reduced by addition of T. tetraptera with 7.5g/kg giving the least intake. Feed: gain ratio was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by T. tetraptera. In conclusion, 2.5% of T. tetraptera could be used in broiler diets and is recommended.

Keywords: African porridge, broiler chickens, phytochemical, Tetrapluera tetraptera