Journal of Animal Science Advances

Response of Broiler Chickens to Dietary Inclusion of

Alternanthera Sessilis Leaf Meal (ASLM)
Tagoe N. A. A., Atuahene C. C. and Adjei M. B.

J Anim Sci Adv 2014, 4(1): 648-657

Online version is available on: www.grjournals.com

 ISSN: 2251-7219 TAGOE ET AL.

Original Article

Response of Broiler Chickens to Dietary Inclusion of

Alternanthera Sessilis Leaf Meal (ASLM)
1
Tagoe N. A. A., 2Atuahene C. C. and 2Adjei M. B.
1
Ohawu Agricultural College, P.O.Box AB 28, Abor-Volta Region, Ghana.
2
Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana box UP244,
Kumasi, Ghana.

Abstract
Two phases of experiment were conducted with the aim of assessing the possibility of using dried
Alternanthera sessilis leaf meal (ASLM) in broiler starter and finisher diets. Five diets were prepared with
ASLM inclusion levels of 0 (T0), 0.50 (T1), 0.75 (T2), 1.0 (T3) and 1.25 g/kg (T4) and 225 Cobb commercial
broiler birds were used in each experiment. The ASLM substituted varying levels of soya bean meal and wheat
bran. Complete Randomised Design was used for the study. The nutritional composition of ASLM on dry
matter basis were: proximate (895.0 g/kg dry matter, 299.4 g/kg CP, 615.0 g/kg EE, 155.5 g/kg CF and 173.2
g/kg ash) and minerals (2.9 g/kg P, 52.8 g/kg K, 15.7 g/kg Na, 48.0 g/kg Ca, 17.0 g/kg Mg and 1.90 mg/kg Fe)
with metabolisable energy (ME) of 2697.25 Kcal/kg. In Phase One, as the inclusion level of ASLM increased
morbidity and mortalities increased even though there were no significant (P>0.05) differences among treatment
means. In Phase One, T4 was significant (P<0.05) from the other dietary treatments with respect to feed intake.
With respect to weight gain, only T4 showed significant (P<0.05) difference amongst the dietary treatments
(Phase Two). Dietary treatments did exert significant (P<0.05) differences on some of the carcass parameters
measured. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the Hb levels of birds between T 1 and T3. The
WBC profile indicated that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in values obtained from T0 birds and
those fed the ASLM containing diet. Treatment diet had significant (P<0.05) differences in the low-density
lipoprotein and albumen during initial and final blood biochemical analysis. It can be concluded that
Alternanthera sessilis leaf meal has good nutritional composition and can be included in broiler finisher diet up
to 0.50 g/kg without any deleterious effect on growth performance.

Keywords: Alternanthera sessilis; proximate; ill-health; haemoglobin; biochemical analysis.


Corresponding author: Ohawu Agricultural College, P.O.Box AB 28, Abor-Volta Region, Ghana.
Received on: 14 Oct 2013
Revised on: 20 Dec 2013
Accepted on: 04 Jan 2014
Online Published on: 26 Jan 2014
648 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657
 RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO DIETARY …

Introduction on the phytochemical constituents of Alternanthera

sessilis revealed that it contains saponins
The science of nutrition involves providing a (Raghavender Roa et al., 2011).
balance of nutrients that best meets the need of an Since the plant is use in human diet, then there
animal for optimal growth, and ensuring effective is the possibility of its inclusion in animal diet as an
metabolic activities (Ranjhan, 2001). According to alternative feed source. However, there is little or
Ngou and Mafeni (1983), some animal’s no available information on its inclusion in animal
competition with humans for feed items. This diet. The main objective of the study was to use
increase the cost of animal production since feed Alternanthera sessilis as dietary feed resource for
cost is a major factor in livestock and poultry broiler chickens and to assess the response of
industry. Ngou and Mafeni (1983) further suggested broiler chickens to ASLM.
that alternative energy and protein sources should
be used partially or wholly in livestock diet to Materials and methods
reduce cost of meat production. Leaf meal has been
a major consideration as an alternative nutrient Preparation of Samples
source in many studies including works by D’Mello Samples of green Alternanthera sessilis leaves
et al., (1987), Donkoh et al., (1998) and Opara et and soft stems were harvested along the banks of
al., (2006). According to D’Mello et al., (1987) and water bodies in areas like KNUST Campus,
Opara (1996), leaf meals do not only serve as Oforikrom New Site, Ahinsan Estate and Atonsu all
protein source but also provide some necessary in Kumasi, Ghana. The water bodies are Wiwi,
vitamins. Plants which leaves have been studied for Aboabo and Susa. The whole Alternanthera sessilis
inclusion in livestock diet include leucaena, was sun–dried for 3 days. The leaves and soft stems
Chromolaena odorata and neem. One important were separated from the stem by shaking and
plant that has not yet received much attention for crumbling between the palms. The leaves were
exploitation as an alternative feed source in milled with a plate mill to a particle size less than
livestock production is Alternanthera sessilis. 5mm and stored in polythene bags for later use.
Alternanthera sessilis is tropical plant
especially tropical America, Africa and Asia Chemical Analysis
(Chandrika et al.,, (2006); Grubben and Denton, Proximate analysis of ASLM (dry matter, crude
(2004). It is known as a noxious weed, which grows protein, ether extract, ash and crude fibre) was
in ditches, swamps, gardens, rice fields, tea carried out using the standard procedures of the
plantations and by roadsides. Its leaves and young Association of Official Analytical Chemists (1990).
shoots are eaten as vegetables or cooked in soup This is presented in Table 1. The metabolisable
(Jansen, 2004). The plant is also known for its energy was computed using the equation of
medicinal properties and has been recommended as Pauzenga (1985); ME = (37 x %Protein) + (81.8 x
herbal remedy for treating wounds, flatulence, %E.E) + (35 x %N.F.E.) Kcal/kg. Some mineral
nausea, vomiting, cough, bronchitis, diarrhoea, and amino acids composition of ASLM were also
dysentery and diabetes and its root can relieve analysed.
inflamed wounds (Hosamani et al.,, 2004). Studies

649 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657

 TAGOE ET AL.

Table 1: Chemical composition of Alternanthera sessilis a.

Component Dry matter (g/kg)
Proximate analysis
Dry matter 895.0
Crude protein 299.4
Ether extract 61.5
Crude fibre 155.5
Ash 173.2
Minerals
Calcium 48.0
Phosphorus 2.90
Potassium 52.8
Magnesium 17.0
Sodium 15.7
Iron 0.19
Amino Acids
Argenine 45.7
Lysine 69.1
Histidine 25.3
Isoleucine 60.1
Leucine 86.7
Methionine 11.0
Phenylalanine 54.6
Threonine 89.2
Valine 61.2
ME (Kcal/kg) 2697.25
a
The values are means of four samples.

Dietary Treatments commercial broiler birds were used for the study.
Five treatment diets (Table 2) were prepared There five treatments (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4). There
with the ASLM inclusion levels of 0 (T0), 0.5 (T1), were three replications in each treatment and fifteen
0.75 (T2), 1.0 (T3) and 1.25 g/kg (T4). The birds were in each replicate. The study employed
experimental diets were formulated to be the complete randomised design. The birds were
isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The experimental reared in deep litter pens. Different set of birds were
diets were within the range of NRC, (1994). used in each phase of the experiment. A weighed
quantity of respective feed was given to each
Experimental Birds and Procedure replicate every morning and had ad libitum access
The study was conducted at the Poultry Section to both feed and water. Chickens were vaccinated
of the Department of Animal Science Kwame against Gumboro and Newcastle diseases. They
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology were carefully medicated against coccidiosis.
(KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. The study area is
located within the semi-deciduous humid forest
zone of Ghana characterized by bimodal rainfall
pattern with annual rainfall of 1300mm. Daily
temperatures range from 20oC to 35oC with
average of 26oC. The relative humidity varies from
97 percent during the morning of wet season to as
low as 20 percent during the late afternoon in the
dry season. (Meteorological report, Unpublished).
Two hundred and twenty–five (225) unsexed
650 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657
 RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO DIETARY …

Table 2: Composition of diets fed to starter and finisher broiler chickens.

Item Dietary Treatments (g/kg)
Starter Finisher
T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T0 T1 T2 T3 T4
Maize 580.0 580.0 580.0 580.0 580.0 540.0 540.0 540.0 540.0 540.0
ASLM 0 50.0 75.0 100.0 125.0 0 50.0 75.0 100.0 125.0
Fish meal 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0
Soya bean meal 233.0 212.0 201.0 190.0 180.0 203.0 181.0 170.0 160.0 149.0
Wheat bran 93.0 64.0 50.0 36.0 21.0 188.0 160.0 146.0 131.0 117.0
Dicalcium 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
phosphate
Oyster shells 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5
*Premix (vit. and 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
min.)
Lysine 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Methionine 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Salt 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
Total 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Analysed nutrient
composition
Crude protein 213.2 213.3 213.2 213.1 213.3 193.5 193.3 193.2 193.4 193.3
Crude fibre 37.4 39.7 40.8 41.9 43.0 46.0 48.3 49.4 50.5 51.6
Calcium 9.0 11.3 11.5 13.6 14.7 8.1 10.4 11.5 12.7 13.8
Phosphorus 6.5 6.2 6.0 5.8 5.6 6.7 6.4 6.2 6.0 5.8
Lysine 16.2 15.5 15.1 14.7 14.3 14.6 13.8 13.4 13.0 12.6
Methionine 8.0 7.8 7.7 7.6 7.5 7.5 7.3 7.2 7.1 7.0
ME Kcal/Kg 3124.8 3112.7 3106.2 3099.7 3094.2 3041.3 3028.4 3021.9 3016.3 3009.8
*Vitamin A–8,000,000 IU, Vitamins D3 –3,000,000 IU, Vitamins E–8,000, Vitamin K –2,000mg, Vitamin B1– 1000mg, Vitamin B2–250mg, Vitamin B12–5000mg,
Nicotinamide –10,000mg, Selenium–100mg, Ca Pantothenate – 5,000, Folic acid –500mg, Choline Chloride –150,000,mg, Iron –20,000mg, Manganese –
80,000mg, Copper –8,000mg, Zinc –50,000mg, Cobalt –225mg, Iodine –2,000mg Antioxidant – 100ppm

651 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657

 TAGOE ET AL.

among treatments means. Values were considered

Parameters Measured significant at five percent probability (P<0.05).
Average daily feed consumed per bird was
recorded every morning by subtracting feed left in Results
the feeding trough from what was given the
previous day and then dividing it by the number of Morbidity and Mortalities
birds in the replicate. The birds were weighed at the The general health condition and mortalities
start of the experiment and weekly thereafter. The that occurred during the experiment are shown in
birds in each replicate were weighed together and Table 3. On sick situation during the Phase One,
the current weight was subtracted from the previous there were significant (P<0.05) differences between
weight and then divided by the number of birds in T0 and T4 as well as significant (P<0.05)
the replicate. The initial weight was also subtracted differences among T1, T2 and T4. The number of
from the final weight to determine the average birds showing signs of ill–health was more in T4
weight gain. Feed conversion ratio was determined than the other treatments. As the inclusion level of
as feed consumed/weight gain. Five birds from each ASLM increased signs of ill–health also increased,
replicate of a treatment were randomly selected for so as mortalities, even though there were no
carcass evaluation. The birds were starved over significant (P>0.05) differences among treatment
night to empty the crops. The following means. There was no morbidity or mortality in T0.
measurements were taken for the carcass analysis: This condition was observed after two weeks of
live, bled, defeathered, shank, heart, liver, empty ASLM intake.
gizzard, and empty intestine weights. Blood sample
were collected at the onset and termination of the The Performance of the Birds During the
experiment for haematological and serum Experiment
biochemical analysis. Economics of production The general performance of the birds during the
were determined based on the feed cost per kg diet Phases One and Two is shown in Table 4. With
and feed cost per kg live weight gain. respect to feed intake during starter period,
significant (P<0.05) differences existed between T0,
Statistical analysis and T4. The weight gain declined as the inclusion
level of ASLM increased. There were significant
The data obtained were analysed using GenStat (P<0.05) difference between T0 and, T2, T3 and
statistical software release 7.22 DE for windows T4. T0 had the highest weight gain and T4 the
(GenStat, 2009). The least significant difference lowest.
(L.s.d.) was used to determine significant difference

Table 3: Effect of Varying Levels of ASLM on Performance of Broiler Chickens.

Treatments Initial Final Daily feed Weight FCR (feed intake
weight (g) weight (g) intake (g) gain /weight gain)
T0 116.33 826a 65.70a 709.00a 1.95a
T1 116.00 773ab 62.30a 657.00ab 2.03a
Starter

bc a
T2 116.33 716 59.70 600.00bc 2.11a
bc a
T3 116.33 697 65.00 580.00d 2.35da`
T4 116.00 447e 45.70e 331.00e 2.90e
L.s.d. 6.8020 87.4000 8.1500 84.5000 0.1973
SL NS * * * *
T0 826.30 2582a 156.30 1701a 2.55a
T1 881.30 2628a 162.00 1746ab 2.60ab
a
T2 881.00 2546 159.00 1665abc 2.68abc
2493ad 1612bcd 2.77bcd
Finisher

T3 881.30 159.30
d
T4 881.00 2366 158.00 1485bcd 2.98bcd
L.s.d. 30.9800 148.3000 13.4300 157.3000 0.2757
652 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657
 RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO DIETARY …

SL NS * NS * *
- a-e: Means in the same row followed by different superscripts are significantly (P< 0.05) different.
- L.s.d: Least significant difference; SL: Significant level; NS: Non significant; FRC: Feed conversion ratio.

At the end of Phase Two different dietary Carcass Characteristics

treatments did not exert any significant (P>0.05) Table 5 shows the general effect of ASLM on
effect on the daily feed intake of the birds. With Carcass characteristics of birds. From Table 5, it
respect to weight gain only T4 showed significant can be seen that the dietary treatments did exert
(P<0.05) difference amongst the dietary treatments. significant (P<0.05) differences on some of the
parameters measured.

Table 4: Effect of varying levels of ASLM on Carcass characteristics of broiler chicken–Phase Two.
Parameter Treatments L.s.d.
T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 SL
Live weight (g) 2483a 2757ab 2695abc 2517abcd 2283acd 382.3000 *
ab ab abc abcd ad
Bled weight (g) 2393 2663 2627 2370 2180 422.5000 *
Defeathered weight (g) 2218ab 2520ab 2427abc 2202abcd 2047acd 375.5000 *
Carcass weight (g) 1619a 1880ab 1789abc 1634abcd 1430ad 348.1000 *
a ab ac abcd abcd
head weight (g) 51.30 61.30 43.70 51.00 52.00 16.6500 *
Neck weight (g) 128.30 129.70 123.00 120.30 122.70 26.0000 NS
Shank weight (g) 75.00a 100.70b 85.00abc 85.70abcd 88.30abcd 25.3300 *
Gizzard weight (g) 45.70 51.70 49.30 46.70 46.00 13.5700 NS
a ab abc abd abd
Proventriculus weight (g) 9.67 9.33 11.33 8.67 9.67 2.2530 *
Heart weight (g) 11.33 10.33 12.00 10.33 11.67 2.0480 NS
Liver weight (g) 50.30 46.30 46.00 42.00 46.70 12.7900 NS
Lungs weight (g) 16.33 14.67 15.67 14.33 15.33 5.2520 NS
Intestine weight (g) 142.30 138.70 168.00 146.00 154.30 48.0600 NS
Dressed % 65.20a 68.10ab 66.31abc 64.83abcd 62.34acd 4.8910 *
- a-d: Means in the same row followed by different superscripts are significantly (P< 0.05) different.
- L.s.d: Least significant difference.

indicated that significant (P<0.05) differences

Haematological Profile of Birds existed in the treatment means of T0 and T4 of the
The general effect of varying levels of ASLM low-density lipoprotein with T0 having the highest
on haematological profile of birds during the mean value and T4, the lowest, and with the
experiment is presented in Table 6. During the albumen it was between T0 and T3 with T0 having
Phase One as shown in Table 6, 2 weeks, significant the highest mean value and T3 the lowest. Albumen
(P<0.05) differences existed in Hb and WBC of study showed significant (P<0.05) differences
some birds. During Phase Two of the experiment, between the treatment means of T0 (lowest) and T2,
significant (P<0.05) difference were observed T4 (highest) during the fourth week.
between the treatment means of RBC, MCV and
MCH before the birds were fed the ASLM (5 Discussion
weeks).
Morbidity and Mortalities
Serum Biochemical Profile of Birds Symptomatic treatments were carried out but
The general serum biochemical profiles of not much improvement was seen in some of the
birds during the experiment are presented in Tables birds and others did not recover resulting in death.
7. The two-week initial serum biochemical analysis Morbidity and mortality increased with the intake of
653 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657
 TAGOE ET AL.

ASLM (Table 3). A post mortem examination and kidney of birds in T0 looked normal. And this
revealed acute toxicity and the ASLM was is in agreement with Igoli et al., (2005) who
suspected to have caused this as post mortem were injected alkaloidal extract of Alternanthera sessilis
deliberately carried out on some birds in T0 and the intra-peritoneally into Swiss mice and confirmed
ASLM-based diet. From the post mortem results, alterations of the liver and kidney functions and a
there were changes in normal colour of the liver and high dose of the water extract of Alternanthera
kidney (inflammation of the liver and kidney) and sessilis caused histo-pathological changes in the
this was attributed to the intake of ASLM. The liver liver and kidney tissue.

Table 5: Effect of ASLM on Mortality and Morbidity of birds–Phase One.

Parameter Treatments
T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 L. s. d. SL
a a a ab b
Sick 0 1.67 2.00 3.33 7.67 4.381 *
Dead 0 0 0.33 0.67 1 1.0500 NS
- a,b: Means in the same row followed by different superscripts are significantly (P< 0.05) different
- L.s.d: Least significant difference.

by Raghavender Roa et al., (2011) revealed that it

Performance of Birds contains saponins and the saponins might have
The lower feed intake recorded in T4 can be interfered with the digestion and utilization of
attributed to the bitterness of the diet. According to dietary protein and carbohydrate (Barnes and
Nityanand (1997), saponins are bitter in taste and Amega, 1984).
have been noted for introducing a bitter taste into
diets hence reducing palatability. Studies on Carcass Characteristics
phytochemical constituents of Alternanthera sessilis The ASLM fed birds (T1–T4) have heavier
by Raghavender Roa et al., (2011) revealed that it shanks than T0 and these birds may be able to
contains saponins and these (saponins) have been support body weight than T0. However it can be
reported to cause depressions in feed intake seen that some of the ASLM fed birds have higher
(Cheeke, 1976). The result of this study shows that dressed percentage than T0. Generally, it can be
at 1.25 g/kg ASLM inclusion weight gain could stated that the varying levels of the ASLM studied
influence negatively. Teguia et al., (1993) fed a did not affect much changes in the carcass
20% sweet potato leaf meal diet to broilers and it characteristics.
had adverse effects on weight gain.
The non-significant (P>0.05) differences during Haematological Profile of Birds
phase two could be an indication that finisher During the Phase One as shown in Table 6, 2
broilers tolerated the ASLM better than starter weeks, even though significant (P<0.05) differences
broiler. Even though diets intakes were not existed in Hb and WBC of some birds, all were
significant (P>0.05), this did not reflect in the within the normal range. This could mean that
weight gain of some of the birds fed the ASLM. ASLM will not affect the Hb and WBC of broilers.
This may be due to the presence of anti–nutritional When Opara et al., (2006) fed neem (Azadirachta
factors associated with ASLM. The higher the indica) leaf meal to laying hens, there were
inclusion levels of ASLM, the poorer the feed variations in the WBC count of birds fed NLM
conversion ratio. Consumption of feeds containing containing diets. High WBC count is usually
anti-nutritional substances induces, in some cases, associated with microbial infection or the presence
chronic intoxication and in others interferes with the of a foreign body or antigen in the circulating
digestion and utilization of dietary protein and system.
carbohydrate thus, affecting feed efficiency and Result from the study indicated that no
growth rate (Barnes and Amega, 1984). Studies on significant (P<0.05) differences existed between
phytochemical constituents of Alternanthera sessilis treatment birds on the 8th week with regard to all
654 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657
 RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO DIETARY …

haematological profile measured. Perhaps, ASLM meal (IALM), haematological parameters showed
could be able to correct any defect in the blood of significant (P<0.05) differences between treatments,
birds. However, when Ekenyem and Madubuike indicating that IALM influenced the values of the
(2006) fed broilers with Ipomoea asarifolia leaf parameters.

Table 6: Effect of varying levels of ASLM on haematological profile of birds.

Hb HCT RBC WBC MCV (fl) MCH MCHC
Age (g/dl) % (X1012/l) (X109/l) (pg) (%)
T0 8.73a 29.03 2.09a 255.70a 140.7 41.87 29.7
2weeks T1 9.26ab 30.56 2.20ab 272.60b 135.5 40.91 30.03
Initial T2 9.20abc 30.29 2.23abc 270.6bc 137.4 41.54 30.4
T3 8.42acd 27.94 2.01abd 261.7acd 140.2 42.09 29.78
T4 8.60abcd 28.51 2.17abcd 265.1abcd 140.1 41.42 30.33
L.s.d. 0.8170 2.9830 0.2023 10.7900 7.3600 3.4580 1.3460
SL * NS * * NS NS NS

T0 11.34 37.59 2.6 257.1 140.33 41.89 29.70

4weeks T1 11.21 37.18 2.68 257.9 139.90 41.69 30.09
Final T2 10.86 36.26 2.62 256.4 140.32 41.97 29.92
T3 11.08 36.49 2.62 257.8 140.42 43.02 30.67
T4 10.68 35.56 2.52 254.6 140.34 42.23 30.04
L.s.d. 1.0400 2.7740 0.2534 9.8000 4.5270 1.5330 1.2730
SL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS

T0 10.94 36.08 2.69a 267.8 134.33a 40.72a 30.21a

5weeks T1 10.63 35 2.49ab 261.6 139.11b 41.70ab 30.00ab
Initial T2 10.94 36.39 2.50ab 262.8 145.78c 43.73c 29.95ab
T3 10.43 35.36 2.41bd 260.7 145.44cd 42.77bcd 29.39bd
T4 10.26 34.67 2.41bd 258.6 145.22cd 42.47bcd 29.47bd
L.s.d. 0.9640 3.0970 0.2273 10.3700 4.0610 1.6200 0.6851
SL NS NS * NS * * *

T0 11.11 34.52 2.61 279.33 131 42.1 31.96a

8weeks T1 10.90 33.91 2.61 275.67 132.22 42.62 32.12ab
Final T2 11.12 34.13 2.57 275.44 131.67 43.06 32.59bc
T3 11.28 34.21 2.58 278.78 132 43.66 32.97cd
T4 11.19 34.41 2.6 278.78 131.11 42.66 32.50bcd
L.s.d. 0.5228 1.4960 0.0768 5.4580 5.7630 1.9860 0.5329
SL NS NS NS NS NS NS *
HCT-Haematocrit, Hb-Haemablobin, MCH-Mean cell haemoglobin, MCHC-Mean cell haemoglobin
concentration, MCV-Mean cell volume, RBC-Red blood cells, WBC-White blood cells, %-percentage, g/dl-gram
per decilitre, l-litre, fl-femtoliter, pg-picogram.
a-d: Means in the same row followed by different superscripts are significantly (P< 0.05) different
L.s.d: Least significant difference; SL: Significant level; NS: Non significant.

again after the ASLM intake (Table 7). This could

Serum Biochemical Profile of Birds indicate that ASLM could sway the serum
Alternanthera sessilis is known to contain some biochemistry of broilers. Ekenyem and Madubuike
saturated fatty acids. In Phase Two before the birds (2006) studied the haematology and serum
were given the ASLM containing diet, there was biochemistry of broilers fed varying dietary
significant (P<0.05) difference in some of the inclusion levels of Ipomoea asarifolia leaf meal and
parameters measured but these were not observed
655 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657
 TAGOE ET AL.

concluded that Ipomoea asarifolia leaf meal can

influenced the serum chemistry of Anak broilers.
Table 7: Effect of varying levels of ASLM on serum biochemical profile of birds.

Total Protein(g/l)
Total cholesterol

Albumen (g/l)

Globulin (g/l)
High Density
Triglycerides

Low Density
Lipoprotein

Lipoprotein
Treatments

(mmol/l)

(mmol/l)

(mmol/l)

(mmol/l)
Age

2weeks T0 1.81 0.42 0.73 0.76a 18.72 8.62a 10.08

Initial T1 1.78 0.38 0.72 0.73ab 18.72 8.43ab 10.27
T2 1.71 0.31 0.77 0.69abc 18.67 8.42abc 10.24
T3 1.68 0.37 0.69 0.69abcd 18.22 8.10bcd 10.12
T4 1.67 0.30 0.72 0.61bcde 18.61 8.57abcd 10.07
L.s.d. 0.1847 0.2287 0.1861 0.1223 0.5803 0.5194 0.6570
SL NS NS NS * NS * NS

T0 3.28 0.91 1.27 1.07 31.56 16.11a 15.44

4weeks T1 3.08 0.83 1.38 1.21 31.22 17.22ab 14.11
Final T2 3.32 0.98 1.49 1.27 32.22 17.33bc 14.89
T3 3.21 1.00 1.36 1.03 32.11 17.00abcd 15.11
T4 3.32 0.91 1.49 1.26 32.44 17.44bcd 15.00
L.s.d. 0.2979 0.1934 0.2491 0.4182 1.9300 1.1820 2.3540
SL NS NS NS NS NS * NS

T0 3.19 0.70 1.32a 1.26 32.33 17.33 15.22a

5weeks T1 3.11 0.70 1.27ab 5.41 31.22 17.11 14.11ab
Initial T2 3.14 1.80 1.27abc 1.39 31.78 17.67 14.11abc
T3 3.12 0.90 1.78d 1.31 31.89 17.89 14.00abcd
T4 3.12 0.87 1.30abce 1.32 31.89 18.00 13.67bcd
L.s.d. 0.1001 1.278 0.1934 5.8200 1.566 1.426 1.4350
SL NS NS * NS NS NS *

T0 2.38 1.21a 1.11 0.64a 80.90 19.33 61.60a

8weeks T1 2.49 1.00ab 0.70 0.58ab 83.90 19.00 64.90ab
bc abc
Final T2 2.48 0.96 0.99 0.67 80.60 19.56 62.10abc
abcd bcd
T3 2.69 0.97 0.97 0.82 91.30 20.67 71.10bd
bcd abcd
T4 2.61 0.96 0.94 0.77 86.90 22.00 64.90abcd
L.s.d. 0.3447 0.2473 0.4914 0.1352 10.9500 3.6820 8.3500
SL NS * NS * NS NS *
mmol/l-millimoles per litre, g/l-grams per litre.
- a-e: Means in the same row followed by different superscripts are significantly (P< 0.05) different.
- L.s.d: Least Significant Difference; SL: Significant level; NS: Non significant.
Two a farmer will make profit at 0.50 g/kg
inclusion level.
Economics of Production
Results of the study in Phase One indicate that Conclusions
a farmer will spend more without adding ASLM in
broilers starter diet to produce a kg of broiler Alternanthera sessilis leaf meal has good
carcass. However it can be ascertained that in Phase nutritional composition making it suitable for
animal consumption.
656 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657
 RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO DIETARY …

Alternanthera sessilis leaf meal can be included Igoli JO, Ogaji OG, Tor-Anyiin TA and Igoli NP (2005).
in broiler diet up to 0.50 g/kg without deleterious Traditional medicine practice amongst the Igbede people
of Nigeria. Our Nat., 2(2): 134-152.
effect on growth performance. Jansen PCM (2004). Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC. In:
Alternanthera sessilis leaf meal can influence Grubben GJH & Denton OA (Editors). PROTA 2:
the haematological and serum biochemical profile Vegetables/Legumes. [CD-Rom]. PROTA Foundation,
of broiler keeping them within normal ranges. Wageningen, Netherlands.
Mmereole F (2009). Evaluation of Dietary Inclusion of sweet
Acknowledgements potato (Ipoma batatas) leaf meal (SPLM) with and
without enzyme treatment in broiler diets. Pakistan J.
Nutr., 8: 841-844.
Authors appreciate the moral, financial and National Research Council (1994). Nutrient Requirements of
spiritual support of his wife Mrs. Diana Nyarko Poultry. 9th rev. ed. Natl. Acad. Press.
Tagoe. We also thank Mr. and Mrs. Hennor for Ngou JN and Mafuni JM (1983). The value of the cottonseed
allowing their house to be used for drying and meal in poultry diet. Annual report. Inst. Anim. Res.
Manikoom., pp. 34-36.
storing of Alternanthera sessilis leaves and soft
Nityanand P (1997). Textbook of feed processing technology.
stems. Vikas Publishing House PVT Ltd., New Delhi, India. pp.
51-57.
References Odunsi AA, Ogunleke MO, Alagbe OS and Ajani TO (2002).
Effect of feeding Gliricidia sepium leaf meal on the
AOAC (1990). Official Methods of Analysis (13th Ed.). performance and egg quality of layers. Int. J. Poult. Sci.,
Association of Official Analytical Chemists: 15th edition. 1: 26-29.
AOAC Arlington, Virginia, USA. pp. 12-98. Okai DB, Easter RA and Frank GR (1984a). The nutritive
Barnes AR and Amega WK (1984). Utilization of cocoa pod value of some non-conventional Ghanaian feed
husk meal by growing-finishing pigs. Proc. 9th Int. ingredients: Nutrient composition and effects on the
Cocoa Res. Conf. Lome. Togo., pp. 449-454. performance of weaning rats. Wld. Rev. Anim. Prod.,
Chandrika UG, Svanberg U and Jansz ER (2006). In vitro 20(2): 11-16.
accessibility of ß-carotene from cooked Sri Lankan green Opara CC (1996). Studies on the use of Alchornia cordifolia
leafy vegetables and their estimated contribution to leaf meal as feed ingredient in poultry diets. MSc Thesis:
vitamin A requirement. J. Sci. Food Agri., 86(1): 54- Fed. Univ. Tech. Owerri, Nigeria.
61(8). Opara MN, Okoli IC, Obikaonu HO, Udedibie C and
Cheeke PR (1976). Nutritional and Physiological Properties of Iheshiulor OOM (2006). Physiological response of
Saponins. Nutr. Report Int., 13: 315-324. laying birds to neem (Azadirachta Indica) leaf meal-
D’Mello JPF, Acamovic T and Walker AG (1987). Evaluation based diets: body weight organ characteristics and
of Leucaena leaf meal for broiler growth and haematology. Online J. Health Allied Sci., 5(2): April-
pigmentation. Trop. Agr., (Trinidad) 64: 33-35. June (2006).
Ekenyem BU and Madubuike FN (2006b). Haematology and Pauzenga U (1985). Feeding parent stock: Zootech
serum biochemistry characteristics of broiler chicks fed International, December. pp. 22-24.
varying dietary levels of Ipomea asarifolia leaf meal Int. Ranjhan SK (2001). Animal nutrition in the tropics: 6 th Ed.
J. Poult. Sci., 5(1): 09-12. Vikas Publishing House. PVT Ltd., New Delhi, pp. 209-
Esonu BO, Azubuike JC and Ukwu HO (2004). Evaluation of 466.
Microdesmis puberula leaf meal as feed ingredient in Raghavender Rao KV, Sambasiva Rao KRS, Nelson R,
laying hen diets. Int. J. Poult. Sci., 3: 96-99. Nagaiah K and Reddy VJS (2011). Hypoglycemic and
Esonu BO, Iheukwumere FC, Emenalom OO, Uchegbu MC anti-diabetic effect of Alternanthera sessilis in normal
and Etuk EB (2002). Performance, nutrient utilisation and streptozotocin (Stz)-Induced Rat. J. Global Trends
and organ characteristics of broilers fed Microdesmis Pharmaceut. Sci., 2(3): 325-335.
puberula leaf meal-Livestock Res. Rural dev., 14(6). Teguia A, Tchoumboue J, Mayaka BT and Tankou CM
GenStat Discovery (2009). Edition 3, Release 7.22 DE (1993). The growth of broiler chicks as affected by the
(PC/Windows 7) VSN International Ltd, London. replacement of graded levels of maize by sweet potato
Grubben GJH and Denton OA (2004). Plant resources of leaves (Ipomea batatas). Anim. Feed Sci. Tech., 40: 233-
tropical Africa 2. Vegetables: PROTA Foundation, 237.
Wageningen; Backhuys, Leiden; CTA, Wageningen.
Hosamani KM, Ganjihal SS and Chavadi DV (2004).
Alternanthera triandra seed oil: A moderate source of
ricinoleic acid and its possible industrial utilization. Ind.
Crop. Prod., 19: 133-136.

657 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(1): 648-657