Nworgu et al., 2013. Am. J. Exp. Agric., 3 (3): 506-519

Aims: The objective of this study was to access the growth responses of chickens fed different leaf meal supplements.
Study Design: The experimental design used was completely randomized design for the chicks and completely randomized block design for the growing pullets and cockerels.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were carried out at Bora Poultry Unit of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan, Nigeria. The experiments were carried out between the years 2004 to 2009.
Methodology: Nutritive potentials of Centrosema pubescens, Mimosa invisa and Pueraria phaseoloides leaf meals (LM) were determined and evaluated using different types of chicken within the years 2004-2009. The diets were formulated to contain 0,20/25, 30/40, 60/75 and 80/90g LM/kg feed and 120 to 150 birds were used in each experiment. Each treatment was replicated three times. All ingredients in each experiment were of constant weight, except the soybean and groundnut cake which test ingredients replaced some percentages weight for weight. Data on feed intake and weight gain were subjected to one-way ANOVA and comparisons were made using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test.
Results: Results revealed that the LM are rich in crude protein (21.36-23.34%) and ash (4.25 – 9.14%). The most available mineral elements were potassium (0.45-1.85%) and calcium (0.60 – 1.726%). The concentration of tannin was highest in the LM (1.57-3.35g/100gDM) unlike oxalate (0.037-0.065g/100gDM). The poorest LM in terms of nutritive value and chicken performance was Mimosa invisa leaf meal (MLM), while the best was Centrosema pubescens leaf meal (CLM). Inclusion of 40 – 60gCLM/kg feed for Black Nera chicks and finisher pullets and 75gCLM/kg feed for broiler starters and finishers resulted to significant (P<0.05) reduction in feed intake and weight gain. Feed intake and weight gain of broiler starters and finishers and cockerel growers fed 20 – 60gMLM/kg feed supplements significantly (P<0.05) and progressively decreased with increased dietary concentration of MLM supplement. Broiler starters and finishers fed 30-90PLM/kg feed had increased feed intake, which was progressive, unlike their weight gain which depressed significantly (P<0.05) with increased concentration of Pueraria phaseoloids leaf meal (PLM).
Conclusion: Hence, 20 and 25g CLM/kg feed is recommended for pullet chicks/growing pullets and broiler chicken, respectively, while PLM and MLM are not recommended, for chicken nutrition due to depression in growth rate.