Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion ofMansonia altissima on feed intake, feed efficiency, and feed conversion of laying birds and cocks. A total of 60 birds consisting of 48 layers and 12 cocks were used in a completely randomized design of four treatment groups, A, B, C, D of 15 birds each.  Results showed that significant differences (P < 0.05) existed at the level of inclusion of 30 and 40 g/kg feed, respectively. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in feed intake (consumption), but there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in feed conversion, between treatment groups. It was therefore concluded that M. altissima can be used as a growth promoter in chicken at the inclusion level of 30 g/kg feed without causing increased feed consumption by the birds.

Key words: feed, efficiency, conversion, consumption, laying birds, cocks