GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF FINISHER BROILER CHICKENS FED PEPER FRUIT (Denettia tripelata) LEAF MEAL AS FEED ADDITIVE

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of finisher broiler chickens fed Denettia tripelata leaf meal as feed additive. Two Hundred broiler chickens were used for the experiment. Four experimental diets were formulated and labeled T1, T2, T3 and T4. T1 (control) had no Denettia tripelata leaf meal while T2, T3 and T4 contain Denettia tripelata leaf meal at 100g, 200g and 300g/100kg feed respectively. The birds were divided into four groups of fifty birds and each group was assigned one treatment diet in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was sub-divided into five (5) replicates of 10 birds each. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and data collected were analyzed. The result showed significant (P<0.05) differences in the final weight and body weight gain of the birds. T4 had the highest significant (P<0.05) final weight and body weight gain values followed by T3. The feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the birds were statistically similar (P>0.05) across the treatments. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in nutrient digestibility of the birds. Significant (P<0.05) differences were also observed in crude protein, crude fibre, Ash and ether extract values. It was concluded that D. tripelata leaf meal could be added to broiler diet at 300g/100kg feed without deleterious effect on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of the birds.