EVALUATION OF BROILER CHICKS FED BITTER LEAF (Vernonia amygdalina) AQUEOUS EXTRACT

Abstract

A study on the effect of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) extract on the growth performance, carcass quality and economics of production of broiler chicks was evaluated using sixty (60) seven- day old Oba-Marshall broiler chicks, in a 54 days water infusion feeding trial. Four (4) water infusion levels Oml, 25ml, 50ml and 75ml of V. amygdalina per litre of (clean) drinking water designated as A, B, C and D respectively were used. Birds were randomly assigned to these infusion levels in completely randomized design (CRD) with each treatment replicated three times (5 birds per replicate) daily feed and water were offered ad libitum. Data were collected on feed intake and weekly body weight; these were used to calculate other growth parameters. The result shows that there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in weekly feed intake among the four treatment. Birds which were given bitter leaf aqueous extract had better final body weight, weekly weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). Carcass weight and dressing percentage increased significantly (p<0.05) in response to treatment with bitter leaf aqueous extract. No variations (p>0.05) were observed in the abdominal fat. Although birds on treatment D gave the highest revenue, the best cost-benefit ratio was obtained from birds on treatment C. it was concluded that broiler birds can be given bitter leaf aqueous extract to improve performance and well as economic gains.