RESPONSE OF STARTING CHICKS TO ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF LAGENARIA BREVIFLORA R. IN TWO HOUSING SYSTEMS

Abstract

A total of 360 day-old pullet chicks were used in an experiment that lasted for 14 days to determine the effect of Lagenaria breviflora R. administration (0, 25 and 75 g Lagenaria breviflora R per I litre of water) on performance of chicks raised on two housing systems (Deep litter 'DL' and Deep litter with a run 'DLR). The birds were randomly divided into six treatment groups replicated thrice and containing 20 birds each. The three levels of administration of Lagenaria breviflora R. and housing systems had no significant effect (P>0.05) on all performance indices measured. The interactive effect of both factors revealed no influence (P>0.05) on performance of chicks. It could therefore be established that chicks can be administered extracts of Lagenaria breviflora R. whole fruit on DL and DLR housing systems with no detrimental effect on performance.