Growth Performance, Blood Dynamics and Sensory Characteristics of Broilers Fed with Madre de Agua (Trichanthera gigantea) Leaf Meal

Abstract

This study was done to examine the influence of Trichanthera gigantea Leaf Meal (TGLM) on broilers. The different treatments used were: T1 – Control Home-mixed Feeds (HF) + 0% TGLM, T2 – HF + 5% TGLM, T3 – HF +10% TGLM, and T4 – HF +15% TGLM.  The chicks were dispersed into four (4) treatments and was repeated three (3) times with ten (10) chicks per repetition. A not significant result was noted from the initial up to the 3rd week, however, a highly significant (P<0.001) result was recorded by 10% TGLM and 15%TGLM from the 4th up to the 6th week of study, gain in weight, cumulative feed consumption and FCR of the broilers however, a highly significant (P<0.001) result was obtained by 15% TGLM on the FCE of the broilers. No toxin was found as shown by a not significant result on the liver weight, pancreas weight and blood dynamics (Red Blood Count and Packed Cell Volume) of the broilers. As to the aroma and flavor, feeding of 15% TGLM obtained the rating of “like extremely†from the taste panelists while not significant result was observed on the other sensory parameters with a description of "Like very much ". For the economic examination, broilers fed with 15% TGLM obtained the best return on investment among the imposed treatments.