Effects of graded levels of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> (Bitter) leaf meal based diets on performance of broilers chickens

Abstract

Feed accounts for over 70% of the total cost of producing broiler chicken meat and the quality of livestock feeds are implicated in mortality, reduced performance and profitability. The importance cannot be over-looked, thus researchers must keep working to produce feed that will be affordable and easily be at farmers’ reach. This study used a total of two hundred and twenty-five (225) three weeks old Marshall broiler chickens to investigate the effect of feeding graded levels of Vernonia Amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on broiler chickens in Completely Randomised Design at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%. The results showed that feed intake, weight gain and final weights are inversely proportional to inclusion of VALM and were significantly (P<0.05) different across the dietary treatments. Similar (P>0.05) values were obtained for Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens fed 0 and 5% VALM as well as those fed 10 and 15% VALM, while those fed 20% VALM had poor and highest FCR. Cost of feed consumed per bird reduced as the inclusion level of VALM increased in the experimental diets, while cost per kilogram of weight gain and net benefit of production were higher in broiler chickens fed the control diet followed by those fed 5 % and lowest in those fed 20% VALM, which shows that the cost per kilogram, in birds not fed VALM are similar to those fed 5% VALM. This study showed that the cost benefit ratio was similar in broiler chickens fed the control diet and those fed 5% VALM and therefore recommend 5% inclusion of VALM in broiler chickens diet.