GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED VARYING LEVELS OF ALOE VERA (Aloe barbadensis miller) LEAF MEAL

Abstract

This study evaluated the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed varying levels of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) leaf meal. The dietary treatments were T1 (0g), T2 (150g), T3 (200g), T4 (250g), and T5 (300g) Aloe vera leaf meal per 100kg of feed. A total of 120- day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were allocated to five dietary groups, with 24 birds per treatment and 8 birds per replicate, following a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the study. Key performance indicators, including final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, total feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the treatments. Nutrient digestibility was also significantly (P<0.05) affected by the Aloe vera levels. Results indicated that chickens fed 250g Aloe vera leaf meal demonstrated the best performance and nutrient digestibility. For optimal productivity, 250g Aloe vera leaf meal is recommended