Livestock Research for Rural Development 19 (8) 2007 Guide for preparation of papers LRRD News

Citation of this paper

Response of laying chickens to graded levels of Tephrosia bracteolata leaf meal fed with soyabean meal or full fat soyabean meal

T O Akande, M K Adeyeri*, O G Longe** and A A Odunsi

Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso
*Commercial poultry unit, ZARTECH farm Nigeria. Ltd, Ibadan
**Department of Animal Science University of Ibadan, Ibadan
yakandetaiwo@yahoo.com

Abstract

The response of laying chickens fed graded levels of Tephrosia bracteolataleaf meal (TLM) with soya bean meal (SBM) and full fat soya bean meal (FFSM) was evaluated. The experiment involved a 10-week feeding trial with sixty, 25 weeks old Nera black layers arranged in a 2X3 factorial design. There were six dietary treatments: diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6 containing the graded levels 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% of TLM with SBM or FFSM respectively as the main source of dietary protein. All diets were formulated to be iso- nitrogenous.

Generally, feed intake declined with progressive inclusion of the leaf meal in both SBM and FFSM dietary treatments. Feed intake of birds on treatment T3 (7.5%, SBM diet) was significantly lowered (P<0.05) than 2.5 and 5.0 % levels of inclusion of TLM. This was not so with hens on FFSM dietary treatments as the three treatments T4, T5 and T6 were comparable (P> 0.05). However, the overall feed intake of hens on SBM diets was not significantly different (P>0.05) from total feed intake of bird on FFSM diets. Roche yolk colour intensified (P<0.01) with progressive inclusion of the leaf meal. The intensity of colouration was higher (P<0.05) in full fat soya than in SBM. Better calcium and phosphorous retention (P<0.05) were observed with FFSM than SBM treatments. Even though, digestibility of dry matter showed that SBM diets was better utilized at lower inclusion of TLM than their FFSM counterparts, hen- day production, egg weight, nutrient retention and feed efficiency were not really affected (P>0.05) across the treatments. There was slight change in body weight gain of layers on FFSM diets. FFSM diets seemed to enhance calcium and phosphorous metabolism, which was translated in an improved egg quality and body weight gain.

It can be deduced that FFSM in the meal improved the utilization of TLM up to 7.5% levels in diet of laying hens. In situations of shortage and or high cost of grains and protein ingredients, TLM will not only serve as a cheaper and abundant non-conventional ingredient but also a good pigmenting and mineral boosting agent when fed with FFSM.

Key words: egg qualities, nutrient utilization, performance characteristics, protein source, Tephrosia leaf meal


Introduction

Livestock industry in the tropics is characterized by many nutritional problems. Increasing competition between man and animals for available grains, inadequate supply of feedstuffs, poor quality feeds among others have been a perennial problem in livestock production. The shortage of feed particularly energy and protein feed has been reported to be more severe in non-ruminant production that depends to a great extent on compounded feed (Longe and Fagbenro-Byron 1989). The use of local, cheap, and readily available material, particularly those that are not directly utilized by man has received particular attention as the only viable alternatives to the use of conventional feedstuffs (Nwakpu et al 2000, Ekenyem 2002, Odunsi 2003).

In the list of possible feed alternatives is plant foliage, which has found application in poultry nutrition. Among tested leaf meals in poultry nutrition are Leucaena leucocephala, cassava leaf meal, Lablab purpureus, Tithonia diversifolia, Microdesmispuberula, Ipomoea asarifolia among many others. (Lopez et al 1978, Lopez 1986,Odunsi 2003, Odunsi et al 1996,  Esonu et al 2003, Ekenyem and Madubuike 2006). However, the incorporation of substantial amount of foliage to the feed of monogastrics particularly poultry has largely not been promoted in the context of protein supply. This phenomenon is sequel to the low nutrient concentration of the leaf meal particularly its high fibre, low energy and presence of toxic factors (Lopez 1989). It then becomes imperative to develop ways of improving the utilization of these numerous potential feed resources.

Literatures had indicated that soyabean meal serves as the world standard in regard to protein meals for livestock production (Kohlmeir 1990, Leeson and Summers 1997). It is palatable, nutrient dense, highly digestible, and cost effective. Similarly, Full fat soya bean meal was said to possess the same features but in addition, it is an excellent source of energy and fatty acids (Kohlmeir 1990). Properly processed full fat soya bean meal may represent valuable material in diets used within the modern poultry industry because it may make a significant contribution to overall dietary energy level when incorporated with low quality ingredients in the diet of poultry. Tephrosia plant leaf is one among potential plant leaves in poultry nutrition. Information available on Tephrosia plant revealed that there are over 300 species in Africa (Dutta 1979). Its crude protein ranges from 20-26% that is comparable to 25% in Gliricidia and 25.3% in Leucaena (Ayoade et al 1988, Babayemi et al 2002). Without fortification in the diets, its mineral content was reported to be high enough to meet the requirement for ruminant animals (Babayemi et al 1999). This study was set to examine the response of laying birds fed graded levels of Tephrosia leaf meal with soyabean meal or full fat soya bean meal as major source of protein in the diets in terms of performance, egg qualities and nutrient utilization.
 

Materials and methods

Site of study

The experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan, Ibadan located in forest ecological zone of Nigeria.

Feed preparation

Feedstuffs including soyabean meal and full fat soya meal were obtained commercially while the leaf meal was obtained from Tephrosia bracteolata plant. Fresh and blooming leaves were harvested green from the plant. They were spread on clean concrete floor for sun drying for three days until it became crispy. The dried leaves were grounded in a hammer mill with sieve size 2mm to produce the leaf meal. The leaf meal was then incorporated at different levels in the diets (Table 1).


Table 1.  Composition (g/kg) of diets

Ingredients

SBM

FFSM

2.5% TLM

5.0% TLM

7.5% TLM

2.5% TLM

5.0% TLM

7.5% TLM

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

White maize

430

430

430

430

430

430

Soya bean meal

95

95

95

-

-

-

Full fat soya bean meal

-

-

-

95

95

95

Ground nut cake

63

58

52

85

78

72

Dry brewer grain

62

52

23

40

22

03

Tephrosia leaf meal

25

50

75

25

50

75

Palm kernel cake

150

150

150

150

150

150

Wheat offal

48

48

48

48

48

48

Fish meal

20

20

20

20

20

20

Oyster shell

80

80

80

80

80

80

Bone meal

20

20

20

20

20

20

*Premix

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Methionine

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Salt

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Calculated on as fed basis

Crude protein, g/kg

174

174

174

174

174

174

ME, MJ/kg

11.6

11.4

11.4

11.9

11.7

11.4

*Supplied per kg diet: Biotin = 40gm;  Zn  = 58mg;  Fe  = 5800mg;  Vit A = 1,000,000 i.u
Folic acid = 500mg;  Se = 120mg;  1 = 60mg;  Nictotinic acid = 2800mg;  Cu = 700mg;  Mn = 4800mg; 
Vit k = 1,500mg; Riboflavin = 500gm;  Co  = 300g

Dietary treatment

There were six dietary treatments containing three levels of Tephrosia leaf meal 2.5, 5.0, 7.5%, and two major sources of protein soyabean meal or full fat soya bean meal, arranged in 2 x 3 factorial design (Table 1). All diets were iso-nitrogenous formulated to supply about 17.4% crude protein.

Birds and management

Sixty, 25-weeks old Nera black layers were randomly allotted to the six groups of 10 birds each. The six groups were allocated to the six dietary treatments. There were 5 replicates of 2 birds per replicate in each treatment. Experimental diets were introduced to the birds and allowed a 7-day adjustment period before data collection commenced. Record for egg quality parameters commenced at 5th week of the experiment and lasted 5 weeks. Feed and water were given ad-libitum while other management practices were meticulously observed.

Analytical procedures

Sample of the leaf meal was subjected to proximate analysis to determine the nutrient levels of the meal using standard methods (AOAC 1995). The Mineral elements calcium was read at 422nm by the use of an atomic absorption spectrometer while phosphorous concentration was estimated by vanado molybdate method. The result of chemical analysis of Tephrosia leaf meal was a guide for the formulation of experimental diets. Yolk colour was assessed with Hoffman-la-Roche yolk colour fan rated 1-15 with colour intensity ranging from pale yellow to deep orange.

Statistical analysis

The layout of the experiment was a 2x3 factorial arrangement. All data obtained were subjected to two-way analysis of variance in a completely randomized design using SPSS (1999). Significant means were separated, using least significant differences modified by Fisher R A as outlined by Wahua (1999).
 

Results

Chemical composition of Tephrosia leaf meal is shown in Table 2. 


Table 2.  Proximate composition of Tephrosia bracteolata leaf meal (percent)

Nutrient

Composition

Dry matter

87.0

Crude protein

20.3

Crude fibre

17.0

Ether extract

4.65

Ash

8.85

Nitrogen free extract

36.3

Calcium

1.30

Phosphorous

0.53

Metabolizable energy, MJ/kg

10.1*

*Calculated figure (MJ/kg) using ME= 37x %CP +81.8x %EE +35.5x %NFE

Table 3 shows the performance and egg quality characteristics of the experimental birds on various dietary treatments.


Table 3.  Performance and egg quality characteristics of hens fed graded levels of Tephrosia braccteolata with SBM or FFSM

Parameters

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

SEM

Feed intake, g/d

113a

112a

100b

111a

108ab

104ab

2.08

Hen-day production, %

66.9

66.7

65.9

63.9

62.4

62.7

0.82

Body weight changes, g

55

39

35

48

50

42

3.05

*Feed efficiency

3.07

2.96

3.08

3.13

3.12

3.27

0.04

Egg weight, g

54.6

55.5

55.3

55.5

55.4

56.4

0.25

Shell thickness, mm

0.312

0.309

0.311

0.313

0.316

0.322

0.001

Albumen weight, g

33.9

35.7

35.7

33.9

34.1

34.3

0.35

Yolk weight, g

14.9

14.7

14.9

14.6

15.3

15.1

0.10

**Yolk colour

3.92c

5.50b

6.70a

4.33c

5.86b

7.07a

0.51

SEM- Standard error of means

 abc  Values bearing different superscripts in the same row differ significantly (P<0.05).

** Values differ at P<0.01

*Kgfeed/kgegg = feed intake (kg)/{Egg weight (kg) X Egg number}

The mean values of the single effect of SBM and FFSM on performance and egg quality characteristics of the experimental birds are as shown in Table 4.


Table 4.  Mean values of single effect of soya bean meal and full fat soya meal on performance and egg qualities

Parameters

SBM

FFSM

Feed intake, g/d

108

108

Hen-day Production, %

66.5

63.0

Body weight changes, g

43.0

46.0

Feed efficiency, kg feed/ kg egg

3.03

3.24

Egg weight, g

55.1

55.5

Shell thickness, mm

0.311

0.317

Albumen weight, g

35.1

34.1

Yolk weigh, g

14.8

15.0

Yolk colour

5.37b

5.75a

ab  Values bearing different superscripts in the same row are significantly different (P<0.01)

Feed intake declined progressively as levels of TLM increased. At 7.5% TLM, feed intake was significantly (P <0.05) depressed in SBM diets. This was not so with FFSM diets, as all the three treatments are comparable. The mean values of feed consumption of SBM and FFSM treatments were similar

Hen-day production, feed efficiency, albumen, and yolk weight were not significantly affected (P>0.05) across the treatments. FFSM dietary treatments numerically improve over their SBM counterparts in terms of body weight change, egg weight and shell thickness. Yolk colour intensified (P<0.01) as levels of TLM increased across the treatments. The intensity of yolk colour was notably higher (P < 0.01) in FFSM than SBM (Table 4).

Nutrient retention of various dietary treatments is shown in Table 5.


Table 5.  Nutrient retention of TLM fed with SBM or FFSM (g/kg)

Parameters

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

SEM

Digestibility of dry matter

736

722

708

714

711

717

4.21

Crude protein

130

127

134

129

126

133

1.30

Crude fibre

39.2

40.0

37.7

39.6

36.1

38.2

0.59

Ether extract

40.5

39.7

38.2

44.5

43.1

40.4

0.94

Nitrogen free extract

403

398

389

393

388

373

4.20

Calcium

19.2b

13.4c

16.8c

23.1a

21.2ab

22.8ab

1.54

Phosphorous

4.66b

5.74ab

5.07ab

5.88a

5.70a

5.29ab

0.18

SEM- Standard error of means

abc  Values bearing different superscripts in the same row differ significantly  (P<0.05).

The mean values of single effect of SBM and FFSM is shown in Table 6.


Table 6.  Mean values of single effect of SBM and FFSM on nutrient digestibility (g/kg)

Parameters

SBM

FFSM

Digestibility of dry matter

722

715

Crude protein retention

130

129

Crude fibre retention

39.0

38.0

Crude ether extracts retention

39.5

42.7

Nitrogen free extract retention

397

385

Calcium retention

16.5b

22.4a

Phosphorous retention

5.16

5.62

ab  Values bearing different superscripts in the same row differ significantly  (P<0.01).

Dry matter digestibility (DDM) was significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatment means. Digestibility was higher in SBM treatment at lower rate of TLM inclusion. However, the mean values of dry matter digestibility were similar for both SBM and FFSM because DDM appear better in FFSM at high level of TLM. Calcium and phosphorous retention was better (P<0.05) in FFSM than SBM treatments whereas retention of crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, and nitrogen free extract were not significantly affected across the treatments.
 

Discussion

Higher levels of leaf meal will cause a dilution of energetic component of the diet because of its bulkiness. This was expected to increase feed intake of the experimental birds in an attempt to meet their energy requirement for maintenance and egg production (Ojewola and Longe  2000). However, results showed decreased in feed intake with higher inclusion levels of TLM. The low feed intake of diets may be as a result of the unpalatable taste of the feed imparted by the leaf meal. This work is line with findings of Lopez (1989) and Odunsi (2003) who reported reduced feed intake as inclusion levels of leaf meal increased. At 7.5% TLM, feed intake was significantly depressed in SBM treatments. This was not so with FFSM, feed intake were comparable meaning that oil in FFSM might have masked the effect of unpalatability and or toxicity as the case may be. It was obvious, that the presence of fat in FFSM has the potential of enhancing the consumption of Tephrosia - formulated diets particularly at higher rate of inclusion. Generally, decline in feed consumption with increased levels of TLM may be related to both physical characteristics (texture, dustiness and bulk density) and presence of compounds, which may affect taste and appetite (Lopez 1989). The inclusion of TLM at various levels did not have any deleterious effect on body and egg forming tissue as reflected on comparable hen day production, egg weight, yolk and albumen weight. This result agrees with the findings of Paterson et al (2001) and Odunsi (2003) who fed Culliandra calothyrsus and Lablab purpureus leaf meals respectively to laying hens. There was no notable meat or blood spot in the eggs of experimental birds across the treatments. Feed efficiency did not reveal any difference among the treatments meaning that the use of SBM or FFS could equally support egg production.

Critical examination of nutrient digestibility revealed that dry matter of FFSM based diets was better utilized at higher inclusion, 7.5% of TLM compared to SBM. The experimental birds equally utilized crude protein, crude fibre, and ether extracts in this study. From nutrient retention and shell thickness results, experimental diets were presumed to have supported adequate calcium and phosphorous metabolism and equal shell strength since treatments means were similar and the mean values of 0.31 - 0.32mm are close enough to the recommended values of 0.33mm for the tropics (Oluyemi and Robert 1979). Slight increase in shell thickness of eggs of birds on FFSM coupled with higher calcium and phosphorous retention is an indication of better mineral retention (Table 6). This is to say that fat or oil has a positive correlation with mineral retention. This result corroborates the findings of Ogunmodede and Ogunlela (1971) that compared utilization of palm groundnut and melon seed oils by pullets.

TLM will be a good pigmenting agent in poultry production since yolk colour intensified greatly (P < 0.01) as levels of TLM advanced across the treatments. This is line with several works on leaf meals (Oseil et al 1990, Odunsi et al 1996). FFSM appeared to have enhanced (P < 0.05) better absorption of carotenoids in the diets than SBM, a much evident and pronounced outcome in this study (Table IV). Usually, a Roche colour fan of 7-8 will be accepted for grade A eggs in most areas (Leeson and Summers 1997). This implies that, FFSM will be a better protein source than SBM for yolk coloration
 

Conclusion

References

AOAC 1995 Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Official Method of Analysis 15th edition, Washington D.C

Ayoade J A, Ogebe P O, Okwori A J and Ogbeide J O 1988 Nutritional potential of Tephrosia bracteolata leaves as a sole feed for goat. In: OO Oduguwa, A O Fanimo and O A Osinowo (editors) Animal Agriculture in West Africa. The sustainability question. Proceedings of Silver Anniversary Conference of the Nigeria Society of Animal Production, 21-26 March 1998:53-54

Babayemi O J, Akinsoyinu A O, Isah O A, Adeleye A A, Bamikole M A and. Adewunmi M K 1999 Effect of magnesium supplement on performance characteristics of lactating West African dwarf goats. Tropical Animal Production Investment 2: 61-68

Babayemi O J, Bamikole M A, Daniel I O, Ogungbesan A and Babatunde A 2002 Growth, nutritive value and dry matter degradability of three Tephrosia species. Nigeria Journal of Animal Production 29(2): 199-206

Dutta A C 1979 Botany for degree student 5th Edition. Oxford University press. pp 728

Ekenyem B U 2002 The growth responses of weaner pigs fed varying levels of palm kernel cake. In: Proceeding of Nigeria Society for Animal Production (NSAP) March 17-21, 2002. Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

Ekenyem B U and Madubuike F N 2006 An assessment of Ipomoea asarifolia leaf meal as feed ingredient in broiler chick production. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 5(1): 46-50

Esonu B O, Iheukwumere F C, Iwuji T C, Akamu N and Nwugo O H 2003 Evaluation of Microdesmispuberula leaf meal as feed ingredient in broiler starter diets. Nigeria Journal of Animal Production 30: 3-8

Kohlmeir R H 1990 World production, storage, and utilization of various defatted animal and vegetable mid-high protein meals in: D R Erickson (Editor). World conference on edible fats and oil processing. Basic Principles and Modern Practices, 1989 p 390, Maastrieht, Netherlands. American Oil Chemist Champaign II.

Leeson S and Summers J D 1997 Commercial Poultry Nutrition. University books, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. 2nd edition pp 35-38.

Longe O G and Fagbenro-Byron 1989 Composition and physical characteristics of some fibrous wastes and by products for pig feed in Nigeria. Beit Tropical Landwirtsch Veterinary Medicine 28 (1990) H.Z 199-205

Lopez P L 1986 Establishing the nutrient composition and standard procedures on quality control of feedstuffs and feed substitutes. Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development, Project No. 8324-08-001-00 Terminal Report. College of Agriculture, University the Philippines at Los Banos, College, Laguna, Philippines. pp198

Lopez P L 1989 The use of shrubs and tree fodders by non-ruminants. In: shrubs and tree fodders for farm animals. Proceedings of a workshop in Denpasar, Indonesia.24-29 July 1989, IDRC pp 61-73

Lopez P L, Sayaboe V S, and Deanon A S 1978 The effect of ferrous sulphate on high Ipil-ipil (Leucaenaleucocephala (Lam) de wit) leaf meal fed layers. Philippine Agriculturist 62, 116-129

Norton B W 1989 Anti-nutritive and toxic factors in forage Tree legumes. In: shrubs and tree fodders for farm animals. Proceedings of a workshop in Denpasar, Indonesia, 24-29 July 1989. IDRC, 202-215

Nwakpu P E, Omeje S I and Alaku S O 2000 The response of weaner pigs to diets containing fish meal and blood meal as separate sources of animal protein. Tropical Journal of Animal Science 3:45-51

Odunsi A A 2003 Assessment of Lablab purpureus leaf meal as a feed ingredient and yolk colouring agent on the diet of layers. International Journal of Poultry Science 2(1), 71-74

Odunsi A A, Akande T O, Yusuph A S and Salami R I 2002 Comparative utilization of high inclusion rates of four Agro-industrial by products in the diets of egg type chickens. Archivos de Zootecnia 51(196): 465-468 http://www.uco.es/organiza/servicios/publica/az/php/img/web/01_21_26_x2notaodunsi.pdf

Odunsi A A, Farinu G O and Akinola J O 1996 Influenced of dietary wild sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) leaf meal on layers performance and egg quality. Nigeria Journal of Animal Production,. 23(1), 28-32

Ogunmodede B K and Ogunlela B 1971 Utilization of palm Groundnut and Melon seed oils by pullets. British Poultry Science 12:187-196

Ojewola G S and Longe O G 2000 Evaluation of the productive and economic efficiencies of cowpea hull and maize offal inclusion in layers' ration. Nigeria Journal of Animal Production 27:35-39

Oluyemi J A and Robert F A 1979 Poultry Production in warm wet climates. The Macmillan press Ltd, London and Bashing stoke.

Oseil S S A, Opoku R S and Atuahene C C 1990 Gliricidia leaf meal as an ingredient in layers diet. Animal Feed Science and Technology (Netherlands) 239(3-4) 304-308

Paterson R T, Rootheart R I and Kirviro E 2001 The feeding of leaf meal of Calliandra calothyrsus to laying hens. Tropical Animal Health and Production 32(1), 51-61

SPSS 1999 Statistical Package for social Sciences. Procedure and facilities for release. McGraw-Hill Book. Co. NY.

Wahua T A T 1999 Applied Statistics for Scientific Studies. Africa Link Books, Abia State, Nigeria pp129-161



Received 5 May 2007; Accepted 1 June 2007; Published 3 August 2007

Go to top