Authors : A.O. Ige, A.A. Odunsi , J.A. Akinlade , L.O. Ojedapo , S.A. Ameen , O.A. Aderinola and T.A. Rafiu
Abstract: A feeding trial was conducted to assess the nutritional value of Gliricidia Leaf Meal (GLM) on performance, nutrient digestibility and economy of production of layer chickens. GLM was used partially to replace maize and soyabean at 0, 5, 10 and 15% in diets A(control), B, C and D, respectively. Performance characteristics interms of Hen day production, feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency and feed cost were monitored. Chemical analysis revealed that GLM contains 24.38 Crude Protein (CP), 1.75 Ether Extract (EE), 12.45 Crude Fibre (CF), 8.64 Ash and 45.36% Nitrogen Free Extractives (NFE). Only egg weight showed no significant difference (p>0.05) while Henday production, feed intake feed efficiency and body weight were significantly different (p<0.05) among dietary treatments. Feed cost (N/kg feed) was significantly different (p<0.05) across the diet. Nutrient utilization studies (dry mater, crude protein and ether extractives) were not significantly influenced (p>0.05) due to dietary treatments. It therefore appears that up to 15% of GLM can be incorporated into laying chicken ration without any adverse effect.
Ige, A.O. , A.A. Odunsi , J.A. Akinlade , L.O. Ojedapo , S.A. Ameen , O.A. Aderinola and T.A. Rafiu , 2006. Gliricidia Leafmeal in Layer�s Diet: Effect on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Economy of Production. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 483-486.