Growth And Egg Production Performance of Dekalb Layers (Gallus gallus domesticus) supplemented with Cassava Leaf Meal (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Abstract

 A feeding trial was done to determine the best level of supplementation of cassava leaf meal (CLM) on the growth, productivity and egg quality of Dekalb layers at Salikneta Farm, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines. The treatments were control (no CLM), T1 (3% CLM supplement), T2 (5% CLM supplement) and T3 (7% CLM supplement). The study was laid in a single factor Completely Randomized Design, with three replicates, consisting of ten birds per replicate. Results show highest feed consumption of birds at T3 (p<0.05) compared to control, T1, and T2. Weight gain was not affected by CLM supplementation. However, the FCR, percentage egg production, and cumulative number of eggs per bird in T1, and albumen height in T2 and T3 were higher (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Likewise, the supplementation of CLM up to 7% has no adverse effect on the health of the birds. Results revealed that 3% supplementation of CLM can improve FCR, percent egg production, and the cumulative number of eggs per bird. Moreover, increasing the level of CLM to 5% and 7% supplement may further improve birds’ performance in terms of egg weight, yolk color, and albumen height.