Histological Indices and Growth Performance of Noiler Chickens fed Dietary inclusion of Locust Bean Leaf Meal

Abstract

The growth performance and histological indices of Noiler chickens fed dietary inclusion of locust bean (Parkia
biglobosa) leaf meal was the focus of this study. Two hundred and forty (240), day-old noiler chicks were used
for the eight weeks experiment. The chicks were randomly divided into four treatments with 60 chicks per
treatment in a completely randomized design. Each treatment has three replicates of 20. Four dietary treatments
containing Parkia biglobosa leaf meal (PBLM) of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% levels of PBLM. Water and feed
were made available ad-libitum. The results showed that there were distinctive differences in feed intake, daily
weight gain and final live weight (P<0.05). However, chicks fed 5% PBLM had the lowest feed conversion
ratio which had a proportionate effect on the final live weight. Noiler chicks fed 5% PBLM had the highest feed
intake, daily weight gain and final live weight. Histological indices of the intestines and gizzard showed normal
epithelial covering at 0, 5% and 10% PBLM but vascular congestion was observed at 15% PBLM. It is
therefore concluded that PBLM could be included at 5% for Noiler chickens without adverse effect on growth
performance or internal organs structure.