Mucuna pruriens seeds given in broiler diets on growth performance and carcass yield

Abstract

The effects of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seeds soaked in water (WMP), acetic acid (AAMP) or calcium hydroxide (CHMP) solution + boiling on both its L-Dopa content and the productive performance of broiler chickens were evaluated. The experiment included a control without MP (C). The CHMP treatment reduced 71% of L-Dopa in comparison to AAMP (53%) or WMP (41%). In the starter phase, the AAMP group had the lowest live weight gain (p < 0.05) and the highest feed conversion ratio than C (p < 0.05). Broilers fed with CHMP and the C did not differ (p > 0.05). In the finisher phase, there was not statistical difference in any of the variables evaluated (p > 0.05). Differences were not observed in carcass yield (p > 0.05), but the broilers fed with WMP or AAMP had a heavier liver than birds on C group (p < 0.05). Results showed that 25% of CHMP can be used as ingredient in broiler diets.