FNTL The inclusion of Tamarind leaf flour in pelleted feed formulations may affect the productive performance and carcass yield of native chickens raised in conventional intensive systems

Native chickens productive performance

Abstract

In Timor-Leste, raising free-range chicken is an important resource for smallholder farmers in rural areas, meeting sociocultural and economic needs, and also serving as
a means of subsistence in these regions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of tamarind leaf meal (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) in a pelleted diet composed of yellow corn, soybean, and rice bran, on the productive performance and carcass yield of local chickens. An experimental method was used with a randomized block design, consisting of four treatments and four replicates. Ninety-six local chickens aged between
8 and 10 weeks were used, with six chickens per experimental unit, raised in a conventional intensive system for a period of 61 days. The variables observed included feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass yield, including slaughter weight, carcass weight, and carcass percentage. The statistical analysis results revealed a significant effect at the 5% probability level (p < 0.05) for all variables observed in the study. Duncan's mean
comparison test showed that the treatment with the inclusion of 2% tamarind leaf meal in the diet was the best compared to the control treatment and the treatments with the inclusion of 4% and 6% tamarind leaf meal in the diet. Thus, it is concluded that the inclusion of 2% tamarind leaf meal in pelleted feed formulations was the best treatment to improve local chicken production.