Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Effect of Neem Leaf Meal (Azadirachta indica A juss) on the Internal Egg Quality and Serum Biochemical Indices of Laying Birds. (A case study at Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi state)

Olabode AD,Okelola OE

A total of 300 Bachelor brown laying birds were used to evaluate the effect of neem leaf meal (Azadirachta indica) on the internal egg qualities and serum biochemical indices of laying birds. The birds were randomly distributed into five treatment groups which were replicated thrice with each replicate comprising of 20 birds in a completely randomized design (CRD). A diet containing neem leaf meal (NLM) was formulated for the birds with inclusion levels of 2, 4, 6 and 8kg/100kg corresponding to treatment 2, 3, 4 and 5, while treatment 1 served as the control with 0% NLM. Results obtained in the study showed that there was no significant (p>0.05) difference for the values obtained for albumen index and haugh unit, but there was significance (p<0.05) difference for values obtained for yolk index and yolk colour respectively. Results obtained for serum biochemical indices analyzed for showed significance (p<0.05) namely high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride. Thus, it can be concluded based on the study that NLM can be included in the diet of laying birds up to a level of 8kg/100kg without any detrimental effects on the birds and the end consumers at a long run

Published Date: 2014-10-02;