Background: Poultry meat production, particularly broiler chicken, plays a crucial role in meeting the protein demands of Asia’s growing population. Cassava, a widely available regional crop, shows promise as an alternative feed ingredient, particularly its nutrient-dense leaves, which provide protein, minerals and vitamins. Methods: A 35-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of replacing soybean meal with cassava leaf meal (CLM) in broiler diets. Four groups of 100 Arbor Acres broilers (five replicates per group, 20 birds per replicate) were assigned different diets: control (basal diet), T1 (10% CLM), T2 (20% CLM) and T3 (30% CLM). Growth performance, hematobiochemical parameters and meat quality were evaluated. Result: Broilers fed cassava leaf meal showed significantly (P less than 0.05) higher body weight than the control, though higher cassava levels led to reductions. Feed intake and FCR varied across weeks, with optimal performance observed at 10-20% inclusion. Mortality rates decreased significantly (P less than 0.001) in all treatment groups. Biochemical parameters indicated improved protein metabolism, lower cholesterol and enhanced antioxidant activity. Hematological analysis showed increased WBC and neutrophil counts, with reduced lymphocytes. Muscle composition revealed higher metabolizable energy and crude fiber, while meat quality improved with reduced cooking loss and enhanced water-holding capacity.
Ahmed et al. (Wed,) studied this question.