Performance of Improved Indigenous Layer Chicken Fed On Enzyme-Treated Mulberry (Morus Alba) Leaf Meal-Based Diets

Abstract

Poultry production, particularly indigenous chicken (IC) plays a significant role as an affordable source of protein and improves the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through income generation. However, its production is hampered by an inadequate supply of feed, which makes up the major cost of production which results in low chicken productivity. Mulberry leaves are locally available, and have high protein content, β-carotene and ascorbic acid. Using mulberry leaf meal (MLM) as an alternative protein source to soybean and fish meal in poultry diets reduces feed costs. However, the incorporation of MLM in layer diets is limited by high crude fibre content resulting in poor nutrient utilization. This study evaluated the in vitro digestibility of enzyme-treated and fermented MLM. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments replicated three times. The treatments were: T1: MLM treated with an enzyme, T2: untreated MLM, T3: MLM fermented with Bacillus coagulans and T4: MLM treated using natural fermentation. Data on in-vitro digestibility was collected and a feeding trial was conducted for 10 weeks based on the results of the in-vitro digestibility experiment. In the feeding trial. experimental diets were formulated to meet the nutritional requirement of indigenous layer chicken as at 4 inclusion levels of MLM (0, 10, 20 and 30%) and 2 levels of an enzyme (0 & 0.035 g). The experiment was set up in 4 × 2 factorial arrangements in a CRD. Data on external (shell thickness and weight) and internal (yolk colour and yolk-to-albumen ratio) egg quality parameters was collected during the feeding trial. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (GLM) procedure in the statistical analysis system (SAS, 2009). Significant differences among means for chicken performance and egg qualities were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range test (p<0.05) and Tukey's test (p<0.05) for the IVDMD. The results showed that pre-treatment of MLM with enzyme (Natuzyme®) enhanced in-vitro digestibility as compared to untreated, natural, and Bacillus coagulan induced fermentation. In the feeding trial, results showed that feed intake, increased with an increase in treated MLM inclusion levels in the diet, while egg production decreased with an increase in MLM in diet after exceeding up to 10%. In conclusion, enzyme-treated MLM should be incorporated up to 10% in the indigenous chicken layer diet to improve egg production and quality.