Response of broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) performance and carcass traits to increasing levels of Acacia angustissima leaf meal as a partial replacement of standard protein sources

SUMMARY Important raw material incorporated in feed formulation for poultry is expensive, thus hindering the growth of the poultry industry in tropical regions. Therefore, the authors investigated the effect of including different levels of Acacia angustissima leaf meal in the diet of broilers (as an alternate protein source/cereal grain ingredient) on growth performance and carcass yield. A total of 160 Ross 308 broiler chicks weighing 0.90 ± 0.043 kg was assigned to 6 treatment diets of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 g/kg DM, in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated 4 times. The experimental period of lasted for 35 d inclusive of environmental and diet adaptation. The results indicated a quadratic decrease on final body weight (FBWT) (P