| Livestock Research for Rural Development 33 (1) 2021 | LRRD Search | LRRD Misssion | Guide for preparation of papers | LRRD Newsletter | Citation of this paper |
The nutritive potential of sweet potato leaf meal (SPl) in broiler chicken diets were investigated. A feed trial was conducted using seven hundred and twenty (720) day-old Cobb-500 strains broiler chickens. The birds were randomly assigned to five (5) dietary treatments with one hundred and forty-four (144) birds per treatment divided into four (4) replicates of thirty-six (36) birds each in a completely randomized designed. The feed trials lasted for 21days each for (both phases) respectively. Five experimental diets were formulated for the broiler chickens where served as: control, SP3.75, SP 7.5, SP11.5 and SP15 (as % of SP in the diets) of 0,3.75,7.5,11.25 y 15 the sweet potato leaf meal replacement. Data were collected on growth performance which were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results of showed improvements in final weight, weight gain, feed intake. And feed conversion as the level of SP in the diet increased to 11% then declining with higher levels.
Keywords: cobb-strains, nutritive potentials, sweet potato
The advent of the Corona virus (Covid-19) globally had significantly affected the socioeconomic livelihood of farmers especially developing countries. In Nigeria, the poultry sector is not left out; it had also suffered tremendous set back to avail the maximum animal protein requirement/day to her populace. This had lead to closure of some poultry farms because of cost/lack of feed resources which about 70% are imported and had lead to unbalance feed rations to poultry animals and subsequent malnutrition to her populace (Sakib et al 2014; Ogunsipe et al 2017a, 2017b; Oloruntola et al 2018a, 2018d). In recent times before the novel virus (Covid-19), climate change had been a major challenging factor affecting poultry production in the Africa. In Nigeria, heat stress and disease outbreaks have also affected poultry farming and the livelihood of rural poultry farmers. Also, the competitiveness of man and livestock for conventional feed ingredients had spikes high cost of these feed resources (Avigen, 2015; Ogunsipe et al 2017b). All these factors have negative effects on this commercial enterprise which provides animal protein, cash income and subsequently creates employment for her populace (Ogunsipe et al 2017b, SDGs, 2018).
If there must be improved and sustainability of the poultry sector an alternative energy and protein resources which must be cheap and available must be sourced. Some decades ago, researchers have sort for alternatives less expensive resources and easily assessable for broiler production (Melesse et al 2017; Akoetey et al 2017). The uses of leaf meals and agro-wastes have recently been appreciably utilized in the feeding of livestock. Therefore nutritionists are suggesting cheaper non-conventional locally available substitute to grains like sweet potato leaves meal (SP) for improved performance and profitability of the farmers (Avigen, 2015).
Sweet potato belongs to the morning glory family convolvulaceae (An, 2004). It is one those crops that can be grown all year round, well establish root system that can tolerate most soils found in the tropics. It had a well established leaf area index which makes it unique from other vegetables. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and amino acids (Adewolu, 2008; Sun et al 2014; Melesse et al 2017; Akoetey et al 2017). It major limiting factor in the essential amino acids profile is its lysine content compared to other vegetables. Several reports on the phytochemicals properties of the leaf has recorded significant increases in the performance of livestock and generally reduced production cost (Antia et al 2006; Mmereole, 2009). This study tends to evaluate the nutritive potentials of the leaf meal at various inclusion levels in the diets of broiler chickens.
This study was carried out between mid- January 2020 – February 2020 in the Department of Animal Science Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria.
Sweet potato leaves and the vines were harvested from the teaching and research farm of the school. Both were processed by sun-drying for 6 hours, before air drying under room temperature to retain its green colouration and also to reduce some anti-nutritional factors. The obtained leaves were separated from the dried vines to achieve sweet potato leaf meal (SPM) which was further dried under well ventilated shade for proper desiccation, grinded and before storage in sacks prior to its usage.
Proximate analysis of the test ingredient was evaluate using 1000g of dried sweet potato leaves were pulverized using an electric blender (Philp, Model: 300). The crude protein, crude fibre, ether extracts, ash and nitrogen free extracts were also estimated using the (Evans, 2009) procedures according to (AOAC, 2014) procedures at the Animal Science Laboratory, Delta State University, Asaba Campus.
Five experimental diets were formulated, 0SP erved as the control diet with no SP3,75, SP 7.5, SP11.25 and SP15, having 3.75,7.5,11,25 and 15. % SPL in the diet. The experimental diets were formulated according to (AOAC, 2012) procedures to supplied 23% and 20% crude protein and 2,900kcal/kg and 2,700kcal/kg metabolizable energy for starter and finisher, respectively.
A total of seven hundred and twenty (720) day old Cobb-500 strains birds were procured, weighed, and allotted into five dietary groups of one hundred and forty-four chicks and were further replicated four times with thirty-six broilers per replicate. The birds were fed ad libitum for 3 weeks respectively for the two phases (starter and finisher) and the overall production was also estimated.
The experimental diets were offered ad libitum in separate feeders and drinkers respectively, so the birds determined their intake of the feed. The diets were offered daily and the feed leftover and/or wastage was weighed daily before feeding. All animals were weighed at the start of the experiment before allocating them to the treatments. Data collected included average feed intake, average body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed conversion ratio.
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design (CRD) was carried out using GenStat, 2019 (Release 9.24) statistical package. Differences between means were separated by the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT).Regressuipnequations wer fitted to the performamce data data usinbg the polynomial option in Windows Excel.
|
Table 1. Composition of broiler chickens experimental diets |
|||||||||||
|
Items |
Starter phase |
Finisher phase |
|||||||||
|
0SP |
3.75SP |
7.5SP |
11.25SP |
15SP |
0SP |
3.75SP |
7.5SP |
11.25SP |
15SP |
||
|
Maize |
50.00 |
50.00 |
50.00 |
50.00 |
50.00 |
54.00 |
54.00 |
54.00 |
54.00 |
54.00 |
|
|
Soya bean meal |
20.00 |
16.25 |
12.50 |
8.75 |
5.00 |
17.30 |
13.55 |
9.80 |
6.05 |
2.30 |
|
|
Groundnut cake |
12.50 |
12.50 |
12.50 |
12.50 |
12.50 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
|
|
Fish meal |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
|
Wheat offal |
10.70 |
10.70 |
10.70 |
10.70 |
10.70 |
13.00 |
13.00 |
13.00 |
13.00 |
13.00 |
|
|
SP |
----- |
3.75 |
7.5 |
11.25 |
15.00 |
------ |
3.75 |
7.5 |
11.25 |
15.00 |
|
|
Bone meal |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
|
Limestone |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
|
Salt |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
|
|
Premix |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.20 |
0.20 |
0.20 |
0.20 |
0.20 |
|
|
Lysine |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
|
|
Methionine |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
|
|
TOTAL |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
|
|
Calculated Values |
|||||||||||
|
Crude protein,% |
23.15 |
23.12 |
23.08 |
22.97 |
22.85 |
20.18 |
20.12 |
20.08 |
19.91 |
19.84 |
|
|
Crude fibre |
4.22 |
4.19 |
4.21 |
4.24 |
4.26 |
4.45 |
4.45 |
4.47 |
4.49 |
4.51 |
|
|
Metabolizable energy, kcal/kg |
2986.10 |
2975.96 |
2984.67 |
2980.37 |
2989.22 |
2880.85 |
2871.41 |
2876.83 |
2878.25 |
2881.82 |
|
|
Calcium (Ca) |
1.25 |
1.25 |
1.28 |
1.30 |
1.33 |
1.05 |
1.05 |
1.08 |
1.10 |
1.12 |
|
|
Phosphorus (P) |
0.78 |
0.74 |
0.78 |
0.80 |
0.82 |
0.76 |
0.75 |
0.77 |
0.80 |
0.82 |
|
|
Lysine, % |
1.28 |
1.25 |
1.29 |
1.32 |
1.35 |
1.12 |
1.12 |
1.15 |
1.18 |
1.20 |
|
|
Methionine, % |
0.86 |
0.82 |
0.85 |
0.87 |
0.89 |
0.76 |
0.74 |
0.76 |
0.77 |
0.79 |
|
|
Table 2. Performance characteristics of broilers (0 - 42days and 0-42days) feed experimental diets containing sweet potato leaf meals |
||||||
|
Parameters |
SP0 |
SP 3.75 |
SP 7.5 |
SP 11.25 |
SP 15 |
SEM |
|
Initial Weight, kg |
0.04 |
0.04 |
0.04 |
0.04 |
0.04 |
0.00 |
|
Final Weight, kg |
||||||
|
42days |
2.85bc |
2.88b |
2.95a |
2.80c |
2.75d |
15.78 |
|
Weight gain, kg |
||||||
|
0-42days |
2.81bc |
2.84b |
2.91a |
2.76c |
2.71d |
0.31 |
|
Feed intake, kg |
||||||
|
0-42days |
4.88c |
4.94b |
4.98a |
4.89c |
4.77d |
6.32 |
|
FCR # |
||||||
|
0-42days |
1.76 |
1.74 |
1.71 |
1.76 |
1.76 |
0.00 |
|
#Feed Conversion Ration a,b,c,d Treatment means within the same row are significantly P>0.05 not different; SEM = Standard error of mean; * = Significant |
||||||
There were improvements in final weight, weight gain, feed intake. And feed conversion as the level of SP in the diet increased to 11% then declining with higher levels (Table 2; Figures 1-3).
|
| Figure 1. Efect of sweet potato level on final eight of broiler chicken |
 |
| Figure 2. Efect of sweet potato level on feed conversion of broiler chicken |
 |
| Figure 3. Efect of sweet potato level on feed intake of broiler chicken |
In the starter phase, the mean final body weights of birds fed dietary treatments showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in final weight, weight gain and feed intake among the treatments means. This is in agreement with several studies of (Adeyeye et al 2019; Obakanurhe and Okpara 2016; Unigwe et al (2014) on Moringa oleifera leaf meal (10% inclusion) and sweet potato leaf meal (15SP inclusion) which showed no significant (p>0.05) difference between the treatment means of birds on final weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ration respectively. The declining values recorded in weight gain as inclusion levels increased beyond 10% SP is in line with this present study (Wude and Berhan, 2009).
There was a marginal increase in body weight that ranged from 1.18kg – 1.25kg. However, treatments 7.5SP and 15SP recorded the highest and least values of 1.25kg and 1.18kg respectively. The values recorded in weight gain are in agreement with separate trial on broiler starter chickens fed with varying levels of sweet potato (Ipomoea batata) root meal (SPRM) (Jiwuba et al 2016).
During the starter phase, feed intake results recorded ranged from 1.67kg – 1.74kg. It was observed that treatment 7.5SP and 15SP recorded the highest and lowest mean values among the treatment means. This aligned with the reports of several researchers which stated that younger birds tend not to digest fiber beyond 10% inclusion levels, since their digestive tract is still tender for the metabolic and enzymatic processes in their digestive system (Jiwuba et al 2016; Obakanurhe and Opara, 2016; Adeyeye et al 2019). The higher feed conversion ratio value observed in Treatment 15SP (1.61) across the dietary treatment with treatments 3.75SP. and 7.5SP recording the lowest values of 1.55 respectively is in line with the ranged reported by (Jiwuba et al 2016) that used sweet potato root meal with lower energy compared to maize. At higher inclusion level of the SP in the diets, a corresponding decline in energy levels of the diets was observed. In the starter phase, the higher FCR at 15SP was an indication that the diet had higher fibre content that stimulated its feed intake to meet up with its normal energy and protein requirements which will therefore correspond to excretion of metabolic wastes.
The results recorded during the finisher phase on final weight showed significant (p>0.05) difference among the treatment means. From Table 2, it was observed that 7.5% SP has the highest value (2.95kg) compared to the other dietary treatments. The final weight values recorded were higher compared to two separate studies that showed significant difference in final weight and variation in the weight gain of broiler finisher chickens fed 0SP at 15SP inclusion levels and substitution of YSPPM in place of maize at 45% inclusion levels respectively (Unigwe et al 2014; Muhammad et al 2012). The present result contradicts the report of (Unigwe et al 2014) that above 10% inclusion level of leaf meal, the final weight and weight gain increases. However, the final weight values from this present study that ranged from 2.75kg – 2.95kg are in agreement with results of 2.69kg – 2.97kg from another research work (Beckford and Bartlett, 2015). The Data on feed intake ranged from 3.10kg – 3.24kg with treatments 5 and 7.5SO showing the least and highest mean values respectively.
The trend observed here is in harmony with previously published data (Muhammad et al 2012; Diarra et al 2012). The FCR values recorded indicated that SP did not only affect their weight gain but also enhanced the feed intake. The high crude fibre content developed GIT and the processing techniques (Oloruntola et al 2018d) of the SP enhanced its utilization and optimum digestion. Thus, as the inclusion rate of the test ingredient increased, the FCR values were statistically similar compared to the control diet. The values recorded are in line with values of broiler chicken at 49days of age that were fed sweet potato root meal up to 30% (Beckford and Bartlett, 2015).
In the overall production period, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference between the treatments means. Treatment SP3.75 (2.95kg) had the highest final weight mean across the dietary treatments means with treatment 15SP having the lowest mean value of (2.75kg). Similar trend observed in the final weight was also recorded in the weight gain of broiler chickens fed the dietary treatments. Treatment 3.75SP and 15SP had the highest and least feed intake mean value of 4.98kg and 4.77kg respectively. Generally, it was observed that treatment 0SP, 11.25SP and 15SP showed better feed conversion numerically compared to treatments 3.75SP and 7.5SP which were not significantly (p>0.05) different. This result is in alignment with the findings of other studies (Beckford and Bartlett, 2015; Pandi et al 2018; Tsega and Tamir (2009) on the effect of SPFM with or without enzyme supplementation and SP in the diets of broiler chickens. They opined that increment of fibrous ingredient such as SP increases FCR in broilers chickens’ diets with a marginal decline in the growth performance. This also exonerates the study of broiler birds feed 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16% sweet potato vines which showed no significant (P>0.05) difference in FCR, (Farrell et al 2000). The data from this study also corroborates that of (Teguia et al 1993) where broiler chickens fed SPLM up to 20% showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the body weight gain and FCR of birds.
In separate studies conducted, there was a reduction in the cost of feed consumed at higher inclusions of leaf meals (Onibi et al 2008; Akpodiete et al 2014). At the finisher phase of birds fed the dietary treatments, total feed intake showed that treatment 3.75SP (3.24kg) was significantly (p<0.05) better compared to treatment 3.75SP, 0SP, 11.25SP and 15SP whose values were 3.21kg, 3.18kg, 3.16kg and 3.10kg respectively.
The authors thereby acknowledge the fact that there is no conflict of interest existing.
Adewolu M A 2008 Potentials of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaf meal as dietary ingredient for Tilapia zilli fingerlings Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 7(3), 444-449.
Adeyeye S A, Ayodele S O, Oloruntola O D and Agbede J O 2019 Processed cocoa pod husk dietary inclusion: effects on the performance, carcass, haematogram, biochemical indices, antioxidant enzyme and histology of the liver and kidney in broiler chicken. Bulletin of the National Research Centre (2019) 43:54
Akoetey W, Mead M B and Morawicki R O 2017 Potential use of by products from cultivation and processing of sweet potatoes.Ciência Rural, Santa Maria, 47: 05, e20160610
Akpodiete O J, Obakanurhe O and Okagbare G 2014 . Performance Evaluation of Broiler Chicken Fed Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) in the Tropics. XIVth World Poultry Conference; Conference Proceedings, Stavanger, Norway. Pp 575.
Antia S, Akpan E J, Okon P A and Umoren I U 2006 Nutritive and anti-nutritive evaluation of sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas) leaves, Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 5(2) 166-168.
AOAC 2014 Association of Official Analytical Chemist. Official Methods of Analysis, 19th edn. Washington D.C.
Avigen 2015 Feed ingredients: Consideration of alternatives when facing increased price volatility. Vol. 14th May 2015.
Beckford and Bartlett 2015 Inclusion levels of sweet potato root meal in the diet of broilers I. Effect on performance, organ weights, and carcass quality. Poultry Science 94:1316–1322.
Evans W C 2009 Pharmacognosy 16th ed. London: Sauders Elsevier; Trease and evans’
Diarra S S, Igwebuike J U, Kwari I D, Sinodo S, Babangida A, Ahmadu U, Shettima S and Jibrin M 2012 Evaluation of Yam-Sweet Potato Peels Mixture as Source of Energy in Broiler Chickens Diets. ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science, Vol. 7, No. 7
Farrell R D, Jibril J, Maldonada H and Mannion P 2000 A note on comparison of the feeding value of sweet potato vines and lucerne meal for broiler chicks, J. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 85, 145-150.
Genstat 2019 Genstat User’s Guide (Release 9.24). Lawes Agricultural Trust, Rothamsted Experimental Station, UK.
Jiwuba P C, Dauda E, Ezenwaka L C and Eluagu C J 2016 Replacement value of maize with sweet potato (Ipomoea batata) root meal on growth performance and haematogical characteristics of broiler starter birds. Arch. Curr. Res.Int.; 53:1-7.
Melesse Aberra Temesgen Alemu Sandip Banerjee1 and Kefyalew Berihun 2017 The effect of the partial substitution of roasted soybean seed with graded levels of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaf meal on growth performances and carcass components of broiler chickens. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci 00:1-7
Mmereole F U C 2009. Evaluation of dietary inclusion of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaf meal SPLM with and without enzyme treatment in broiler diets, Pak .J. Nutr., 8, 841-844.
Muhammad A, Adegbola T, Oyawoye A and Olayiwola E 2012 Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Partially Cooked Sweet Potato Meal. Journal of Natural Sciences Research. 2, (2)
Obakanurhe O and Okpara O 2016 Performance and Haematological Characteristic of Broiler Finisher FedMoringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diet. Journal of Northeast Agricultural University, 23, Pp28-34, Elsevier Publishers
Ogunsipe M H, Ibidapo I, Oloruntola O D and Agbede J O 2017a Growth performance of pigs on dietary cocoa bean shell meal. Livestock Res Rural Dev 29(1)
Ogunsipe M H, Balogun K B, Oladepo A D, Ayoola M A and Arikewuyo M T 2017b Nutritive value of cocoa bean shell meal and its effect on growth and haematology of weaning rabbits. Nigerian J Agric Food Environ 13(1):23–28
Okosun S E and Eguaoje S A 2017 Growth performance, carcass response and cost benefit analysis of cockerel fed graded levels of cassava (manihot esculenta) grit supplemented with moringa (moringa oleifera) leaf meal. Animal Research International 14(1): 2619 – 2628
Oloruntola D A, Dada E O, Osho I B and Ogundolie O O 2017 Effects of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia on parasitaemia level, serum metabolites and histopathology of organs in Swiss Albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65. Asian J Med Health 6(2):1–7
Oloruntola O D, Agbede J O, Ayodele S O and Oloruntola D A 2018d Neem, pawpaw, and bamboo leaf meal dietary supplementation in broiler chickens: effect on performance and health status. J Food Biochem:e12723
Onibi G, Folorunso O and Elumelu C 2008 Assessment of Partial Equi-Protein Replacement of Soyabean Meal with Cassava and Leucaena Leaf 2003. Can Moringa oleifera be used as Protein Meals in the Diets of Broiler Chicken Finishers. International Journal of Poultry Science, 7: 408-413.
Pandi J, Glatz P, Forder R, Komolong B and Chousalkar K 2018 Evaluation of the effects of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) in broiler diets. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr.;102: 216–224.
Sakib N, Sultana F, Howlider M A R and Rana M S 2014 Effect of potato (Solanum tuberosum) meal on broiler production. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 43: 192-196
SDGs 2018 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a global blueprint for dignity, peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future.
Sun H Taihua M, Lisha X, Miao Z and Jingwang C 2014 Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves as nutritional and functional foods. Food Chemistry, 156, p.380- 389,
Teguia A, Tchoumboue J, Mayaka B T and Tankou C M 1993 The growth of broiler chicks as affected by the replacement of graded levels of maize by sweet potato leaves (Ipomea batatas). Animal Feed Science and Technology, 40: 233-237
Tsega W and Tamir B 2009 The effect of increasing levels of dried leaves of sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas) on dry matter intake and body weight gain performance of broiler finisher chickens. Livestock Research for Rural Development 21 (12)
Unigwe C R, Okorafor U P Atoyebi1 T J and Ogbu U M 2014 The Nutritive Value and Evaluation of Sweet Potato ( Ipomoea Batatas) Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens. Int. J. Pure Appl. Sci. Technol., 20(2), pp. 19-26.
Wude T and Berhan T 2009 The effect of increasing levels of dried leaves of sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas) on dry matter intake and body weight gain performance of broiler finisher chickens, Livestock Research for Rural Dev., 21(2), 1-6.