2007 · 37 citations · 0 references
AgricultureNutritional SciencesPoultry SciencePoultry HealthPoultry NutritionPoultry PhysiologyBroiler FeedingBroiler Growth PerformanceBroiler NutritionNutrient UtilizationStarter DietsBroiler Breeder NutritionBroiler Starter DietsFeed Intake EffectsFeed Intake MeasurementFinisher Diet Effects On GrowthPoultry DietsStarter Diet Effects On GrowthSupplement Formulation
A 56-day experiment involving 120 day-old Anak 2000 broiler chicks was carried out in a completely randomized design to evaluate the performance, haematological parameters and serum metabolites of th e broilers served Fluted Pumpkin Leaves Extract (FPLE) supplement at four days interval for 8 weeks during the late dry season. The birds were allotted to 5 treatments containing 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 ml FPLE/litre of water. Each treatment was replicated three times. Broiler starters were fed the same starter diet, while the finishers were equally fed the same finisher diet. The FPLE was found to be rich in protein (21.31%) and ash (10.97%) most especially Ca, P, Mg and Fe and relatively low in fibre, tannin and oxalate, hence a good protein and mineral supplement for broilers during the late dry season. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, water intake, cost of fed per kg live weight gain, haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC), White Blood Cell (WBC), Cholesterol (CH), urea, sodium and potassium of the birds served FPLE were significantly (p<0.05) superior to control. Haemoglobin was elevated on the birds served PFLE by 19.64-48.2% compare to control. The birds served 60 ml FPLE/litre of water had elevated Hb, PCV and RBC, while those on 120 ml had the highest value of WBC, CH and urea. Broiler starters and finishers are recommended to be served 60 and 120 ml FPLE/litre of water, respectively at 4 days interval during late dry season for improved feed intake, weight gain and blood formation.