Protein replacement value of Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) leaf protein concentrate (CLPC) in broiler starter: Effect on performance, muscle growth, haematology and serum metabolites
Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Animal Production and Health, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Fasuyi, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Aletor, V.A., Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Animal Production and Health, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) leaf protein concentrate (CLPC) was used to replace a known and conventional source of protein in broiler starter diets 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% respectively. The reference diet 1 was one where fish meal was the major source in the diet without CLPC. The inclusion level of CLPC was 1.61, 3.22, 4.82, 6.43 and 8.04 respectively for diets 2 to 6. A batch of 120 starter chicks was randomly assigned in triplicate to these dietary treatments (i.e. chicks/treatment). The final weight and average weight gain of diet 1 (0% FM replacement) was significantly higher than others (P < 0.05) even when the average feed consumption was similar for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4. The feed efficiency (FE) for diets 1 and 2 was also similar (P = 0.05). The nitrogen retention for diets 1, 2 and 4 was similar (P = 0.05). Diets 2, 3 and 4 also had similar values (P = 0.05). The dressed weight of chicks in diets 2 and 6 was similar (P = 0.05) while that of diets 5 and 6 was also similar (P = 0.05). Except for kidney, pancreas and lungs, all other organs measured showed similar values (P = 0.05). The weight of inner chest muscle (supra coracoideus) of birds on diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 were similar (P = 0.05). The weight of outer chest muscle (Pectorialis thoracicus) and thigh muscles (Gastrocnemius) were similar (P = 0.05) with diet 5 (80% FM replacement with CLPC) having the longest inner chest muscle length of 20.7±4.3cmkg-1. Except for red blood cell (RBC) and mean cell volume (MCV), all other parameters measured were similar (P = 0.05). The values of total serum protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio were similar (P = 0.05). Also the values for liver protein, albumin, globulin and liver albumin/globulin ratio were similar (P = 0.05). It was concluded that CLPC as a replacement for FM as a protein source had no deleterious effect up till 60%. However, several parameters investigated strongly support a realistic replacement of 40% FM with CLPC in practical diets. Performance can still be enhanced with supplementation of essential amino acids (EAAs). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2005.