ABSTRACT

Alternative plant protein feedstuffs in poultry nutrition have continued to receive attention since conventional sources are becoming scarce and expensive. This research work dealt with the replacement value of velvet bean (Mucuna sloanei) meal for soybean meal in turkey and broiler chickens' diet. Two experiments were conducted, one with turkey and the other with broiler chicken. Proximate composition, amino acid profile and anti-nutritional factors in processed Mucuna sloanei were carried out. The Mucuna was soaked for 24 hours and boiled for 30 minutes oven dried and crushed before it was used. The dietary inclusion levels were determined in turkey and broiler chicken birds. Haematoiogical and serum chemistry of the birds fed the treatment diets \\ereaRo determined. The nutrient compositions of major cut parts sere determined in turkey and broiler chicken at 8. 12 and 16 weeks. Sensory evaluations of the birds were also carried out at 8. I 2 and I 6 weeks. Eventually the economics of production was prepared for turkey and broiler chicken at 8. 12 and 16 weeks respectively. At 10% replacement level of soaked and boiled Mucuna sIoanei (SBMS) for soybean meal (SBM). 8 week turkey performed best in growth performance and economics of production. Though statistically similar (P > 005) with the control. but showed significant difference (P < 0.05) with the others. ['he higher the percentage replacement. the lower the feed conversion and the gross margin (profit-wise). The result was same at I2 weeks. The gross margin as highest at I O% inclusion both at 8 and 12 weeks of turkey production. At the I6th eek. 20 % replacement level of SBMS for SBM showed the best performance in turkey. The broiler chicken did best at 10%.replacernent at 8 weeks, though statistically similar with those of the control diet and those on 30% replacement concerning the feed conversion, in the economics of production. the result was best with 20% replacement of SBMS for SBM. The gross margin was highest at 20% replacement though statistically similar (P > 0.05) with those of control. 30% and 40% replacement. The trend was similar in the 12 week of the broiler chicken. At I6° week. 20% replacement gave the best result in feed conversion and gross margin. Haematologv and serum chemistry results in both turkey and broiler fed the experimental diets shoed that the levels of replacements were without any adverse effect: Sensory evaluations showed that SBMS can replace SBM up to 60 % in both turkey and broiler chicken and good organoleptic properties of meat achieved. From the digestibility test. the addition of enzyme was recommended to aid digestion of more fibre in the Muciuna sloanei for the birds. In all the analysis concerning the turkey and the broiler chicken, both are most economically profitable to be marketed at 8 weeks. The broiler chicken also that profitable if marketed at 16 weeks, since the gross margin showed statistical similarity with those of the 8 weeks.