Economic importance and growth rate of broiler chickens served fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis) leaves extract

Abstract

An 8-week experiment was conducted to assess the weight gain and the economic importance of broiler chickens served fluted pumpkin leaf extract (FPLE) during the late dry season in Ibadan, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty day-old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were randomly distributed to 5 treatments which contained 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 ml of FPLE per litre of water for A, B, C, D and E, respectively, in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times. The birds were fed with the same starter and finisher diets. The feed and water were served ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The FPLE is rich in protein (21.31%), ash (10.92%) and low in crude fibre, oxalate and tannin. Results of average body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) different, which was least in control (1676.19 g/bird) compared to the birds served 30-120 ml of FPLE (1833.09-2089.70 g/bird). The cost of feed out of the total cost of production was least on the birds served 30- 120 ml of FPLE (61.79%) unlike control (66.21%). Benefit cost ratio (BCR) was best on the birds served 30-120 ml FPLE/l of water (1.91:1-2.06:1) compared to control (1.76:1). The net profit (NP) and cost of feed per kilogramme live weight gain were N307.13 and N87.50 /kg for the birds served 120 ml FPLE/litre of water compared to control (N208.17 and N96.52/kg), respectively. An average NP ofN273.56 was made for the broiler chickens served 30-120 ml FPLE/l of water with reference to control (N208.17), which was a difference of N64.39 per bird. For improved growth rate and higher profit margin, it is advisable to serve broiler chickens 120 ml FPLE/litre of water during the late dry season. This is a simple, affordable and available technology for poultry farmers most especially during the harsh climatic period of the year. Key words: Economic importance, broiler chickens, fluted pumpkin leaf extract, weight gain, profitability ratio.