Effect of subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) based complete rations on carcass characteristics and serum thyroxine profile of kids

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding complete rations containing untreated Leucaena leucocepahala leaf meal (ULLLM) (Subabul) and treated (moist heat) L. leucocepahala leaf meal (TLLLM) at 30 and 40 parts on plane of nutrition and nitrogen balance in kids. Mimosine content of LLLM after moist heat treatment for single-treated and double-treated material was 1.91 and 1.17%, respectively. A feeding trial was conducted with 30 non-descript kids (8.42±0.15 kg, 3 to 4 month-old) by allocating to five complete rations as CR1 (control), CR2 (30% ULLLM), CR3 (30% TLLLM), CR4 (40% ULLLM) and CR5 (40% TLLLM). Average daily gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher in CR1 (55.90±2.25 g/d) and CR3 (56.30±0.92 g/d) followed by CR2 (37.90±3.95 g/d) and CR5 (38.70±5.60 g/d) and lowest in CR4 (23.90±3.65 g/d) group. Dressing yield (39.53 to 44.99%) did not indicate significant changes among the groups. The edible, non-edible, organ weights and wholesale cuts did not indicate significant difference among the groups. Serum T3 (|jg/ml) and T4 (ng/ml) hormone profile showed significant reduction (p<0.05) at 90 days in CR2 (1.80±0.10 and 49.43±2.50) and CR4 (1.10±0.10 and 40.11±2.10) as compared to other groups CR1 (3.61±0.70 and 87.14±8.20), CR3 (2.42±0.20 and 83.14±7.20) and CR5 (2.81±0.30 and 78.11±5.10). Histopathological examination of thyroid gland showed hyperplasia of epithelial cells and follicular vacuolation with cuboidal epithelium in CR2 and CR4 groups. However, normal pattern was observed in CR1 and very mild changes in CR3 and CR5 groups. It was concluded that hot water treatment of L. leucocepahala leaf meal is partially effective in ameliorating mimosine toxicity and can be included at 30% level in complete rations of kids.