Effect of Feeding Gliricidia Sepium Leaf Meal on the Performance and Egg Quality of Layers

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to study the nutritive value of sun-dried gliricidia leaf meal (GLM) using 72 laying hens. The birds were allotted to four dietary treatments containing 0, 5, 10, and 15%GLM respectively in a completely randomized design; each treatment was replicated three times. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The inclusion of GLM in layer diets significantly (p<0.05) reduced feed consumption in a linear fashion. Layers fed 0 and 5%GLM had similar (p>0.05) hen day egg production, body weight changes and feed conversion efficiency which worsened significantly at 10 and 15%GLM levels. Egg quality values showed no significant differences (p>0.05) in terms of egg weight, Haugh unit and shell thickness while yolk index increased (p<0.05) with GLM and was found to be best at 10 and 15% GLM. Yolk colour was positively enhanced at all levels of GLM. Proportionally, egg membrane values were lower (p<0.05) on GLM diets compared to the control while the egg yolk, albumen and shell were not affected. Boiling of egg resulted in lighter yolk and albumen but heavier shell and membrane with a 43% reduction (p<0.05) in egg yolk colouration. At dietary levels >5%, GLM depressed feed intake and egg production.