Metabolism and Nutrition: Nutrition

Abstract

A 84 – day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate mexican sunflower leaf (MSL; Tithonia diversifolia) as dietary fiber source in duck diets. Five straight diets were formulated to contain the MSL at dietary levels of 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0% as a replacement for wheat bran. Ninety (90), day old duckling and wing-banded for individual identification were randomly allotted to the 5 diets containing 3 replicates per treatment with 6 Ducklings per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were provided ad-libitum and routine medications and vaccinations administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The study investigated the performance and hematological responses of the birds to the diets. The results shows substantial decreases in all the parameters measured for performance characteristics. The final body weight, daily weight, daily feed intake and daily protein intake were generally higher in the birds fed control diet (0%MSL). There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in daily feed intake and daily protein intake between the control diet and the other groups, while daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were statistically the same (P > 0.05) across board except at 10% level where there was a fall in weight gain. Digestible crude fiber values significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing levels of MSL in the diets while the other digestibility percentages were comparable (P > 0.05) in all dietary treatments. Values for the hematological parameters and blood serum chemistry though different in hemoglobin and white blood cell count did not deviate (P > 0.05) statistically from established normal values for duck. The higher hemoglobin concentrations in the MSL supplemented meals may suggest improved iron, copper or mineral profile in those rations. The results suggest that MSL could replace wheat bran in duck diet up to 7.5% as a dietary fiber source.