Mba Anthonia Nkiru, Onwumelu I. J, Benjamin N. Emelugo, Chiedo CC, Ezejesi, HC, Ejivade OM and Okonkwo JC
1Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi, Nigeria; 2Department of Animal Production, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria; 3Department of Applied Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; 4Department of Animal Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: hc.ezejesi@unizik.edu.ng
The study involved an eighth week feeding trial conducted to investigate the effect of different inclusion levels of Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract on growth performance of three strains of broiler, namely: Arbor acre, Marshall and Ross 308. A total number of one hundred and fifty unsexed broiler chicks were used for the experiment, in a 3 by 4 factorial arrangement. The Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract (PALE) was administered at 0%, 15%, 30% and 45%. Ross 308 performed better than the other strains in most of the growth indices studied followed by the Arbor acre, and the least being the Marshall strain. Again, birds on 15% inclusion level of PALE excelled in virtually all the parameters followed by those on 30% PALE inclusion level. Furthermore, those on 0% PALE (control) performed slightly better than those on 45% PALE addition level in few parameters. Generally, pronounced strain x PALE interaction effects were observed in almost all the parameters. Consequently, the study evinced that administration of 15% to 30 % PALE enhanced growth performance of broilers irrespective of the strain, and without any deleterious effect on growth indices.