Growth performance and cost-benefit of producing broiler chickens fed diets containing raw and processed Lablab purpureus seed meal

Abstract

Generally, cost of conventional feed stuffs for feeding livestock especially poultry is very exorbitant thus, the need to use other non-conventional ingredients like lablab which could drastically reduce the cost producing poultry and other livestock. A study was conducted to assess growth performance and cost- benefits of producing broiler chickens fed diets containing raw, soaked and cooked lablab seed. A 63- day feeding trial was conducted using 126 day-old Anak(R) strain of broiler chicks. The birds were balanced for weight, randomly divided into 6 groups of 21 chicks. Each of the 6 groups was replicated thrice with 7 chicks each in a completely randomized design. Birds in group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were fed control diet, diet containing raw lablab, soaked lablab and lablab seeds soaked and cooked for 20, 40 and 60 minutes respectively. Results showed that final weight, weight gain, feed/gain ratio and protein efficiency were significantly (p<0.05) influenced. Birds on control diet and diets containing raw lablab seed meal had highest (2052.38 g) and least (1640.47 g) values for final body weights respectively. Body weight gained followed a similar trend of variation as the final body weight. Inclusion of processed lablab seed meal in the diets of broiler chickens increased cost of producing broiler chickens. It can be concluded that cooking lablab seed gave a better growth performance. However, increased cost of broiler chicken production compared to control diet.