Sarwatt et al., 1991. Livest. Res. Rural Dev., 3 (3): 59-64

Two hundred Cobb broiler chicken one day-old were randomly allocated to five rations containing levels of dolichos beans (Lablab purpureus) meal at 0, 5, 15, 20 and 25 percent and soya bean (Glycine max) meal at 25, 20, 10, 5 and 0 percent. Feed intake, feed utilization efficiency, growth and mortality rates were determined from 2 to 8 weeks at which time the birds were slaughtered, and dressing percentages and organ weights were determined. As the level of dolichos bean meal increased there was a decrease in crude protein and an increase in crude fibre in the diets, but the changes were not significant (P > 0.05). Weight gain was highest (28.6 g/day) for the ration containing 25 percent soya bean meal and lowest (26.6 g/day) for the diet containing 25 percent dolichos bean meal. Feed intake was highest for the ration containing 25 percent dolichos bean meal but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the treatments. Although the mortality rate was highest (16%) in the diet containing 25 percent dolichos bean meal, the beans were well accepted by the birds, and the protein appeared to be well utilised, with a feed:gain ratio of 3.02. This value was only slightly poorer (P>0.05) than that recorded for the diet containing 25 percent soya bean meal (2.78).