An Assessment of Ipomoea asarifolia Leaf Meal as Feed Ingredient in Broiler Chick Production

Abstract

Two hundred and forty one week old Anak broiler chicks were involved in a 49-day feeding trial in a completely randomized design to assess the effect of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% inclusion levels of Ipomoea asarifolia leaf meal (IALM) in the performance, organ and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks. The birds were fed the experimental broiler diets for 28 days while they were fed the finisher diets for the remaining 21 days. Feeding and potable water supply were ad libitum while other standard management practices were meticulously observed. The initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per broiler were evaluated. The results show that the final live weight of birds on control diet 0% IALM (2.200kg) and 5% IALM (2.050kg) were significantly (P< 0.05) superior to birds on 10% IALM (1.775kg) and 15% IALM (1.600kg). Feed conversion ratio for the control 0% IALM was significantly superior (P< 0.05) to 10% and 15% IALM inclusions, while 0% and 5% levels were statistically similar (P>0.05). Daily feed intake in 0%, 5% and 10% levels were significantly higher (P< 0.05) than 15% level of IALM. Dressed weights for 0% and 5% levels were similar (P>0.05) but superior (P< 0.05) to 10% and 15% levels. Organ weights differed significantly (P< 0.05) between treatments, showing declining values with increasing levels of IALM. From the results of the experiment, the optimum inclusion level of IALM in broiler diets is between 5% and 10% levels. Further research is therefore necessary to improve the nutritive value of Ipomoea asarifolia leaves for livestock because of its abundance and cheapness for improved meat production.