Performance of Finisher Broiler Chicks Fed Varying Replacement Levels of Chromolaena odorata Leaf for Soyabean Meal

Abstract

Sixty 5-week old Marshall broiler chicks were used in a 28-day feeding trial in a Completely Randomized Design, in a deep litter house to evaluate the effect of Chromolaena odorata Leaf Meal (COLM) on the growth performance of finisher broiler chicks. The chicks were grouped into four treatments having 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% COLM which were replicated thrice. Feed and water supply were ad libitum. Also medication, vaccination scrupulous sanitation, regular disinfection of the pens and other standard management practices were adopted. Initial weights of the birds, 633.00, 636.67, 630.00 and 585.67 g for treatments 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% COLM respectively did not vary significantly (p>0.05). However, significant differences (p<0.05) occurred between the final weights 2120,00, 2096.67, 2003.33 and 1506.67 g for treatments 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% COLM respectively. Daily weight gain, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio, showed similar trends for birds on 0, 2.5 and 5.0% COLM which were similar in values (p>0.05) but differed significantly (p<0.05) from the values for birds on 7.5% COLM. Results confirmed that COLM could substitute soya bean as feed ingredient for broiler chicks up to 7.5% but 5.0% is optimal.