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Assessment of Leucaena leucocephala leaves as feed supplement in laying hens

Article  in  AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY · February 2008

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African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 7 (3), pp. 317-321, 5 February, 2008
Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2008 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of Leucaena leucocephala leaves as feed

supplement in laying hens
1 2 3 4
Atawodi, S. E. *, Mari, D. , Atawodi, J. C. and Yahaya, Y.
1
Biochemistry and Veterinary Public Health Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
2
ECWA Rural Development, Bukuru, Plateau State, Nigeria.
3
Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
4
Lake Chad research Institute, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Accepted 30 November, 2007

Protein source is a limiting factor in poultry feed production in the tropics. Therefore, the suitability of
leaves of Leucaena leucocephala - a protein rich multi-purpose leguminous plant as feed supplement in
laying hens was evaluated at 50, 100 and 200 g/kg (5, 10 and 20%) supplementation levels. Leucaena
supplementation significantly decreased weekly average daily egg lay (P < 0.01) and progressively reduced
cumulative weekly average daily egg lay to 88.2, 68.7 and 53.4% for 5, 10 and 20% supplementation levels,
respectively. There was an inverse relationship between level of L. leucocephala supplementation and
weekly average daily egg lay (r = - 0.99) which highly correlated with the crude fiber content of the diets (r =
0.94). Size and specific gravity of eggs were not significantly affected (P >0.05) by the different levels of
leucaena supplementation. These results suggest that L. leucocephala leaves may only be useful as feed
supplement in egg laying hens at low levels of supplementation.

Key words: Leucaena leucocephala, feed supplement, laying hens.

INTRODUCTION

Presently, commercial poultry feeds are expensive thereby
limiting the growth of poultry industry in the tropics. Hence,
there is need to search for alternative sources of protein for
use as feed supplement, as protein sources become the
main determinant of the cost of livestock and poultry feeds.
A seemingly good alternative source of protein to
commercial livestock and poultry is Leucaena leucocephala.
L. leucocephala is a multi-purpose leguminous plant of
Central America origin with pan-tropical distribution (Gray,
1968). It is a fast growing promising protein-rich fodder or
forage that has been recommended for feeding to livestock
in the tropics (Henke, 1958; Hills, 1971; Jaikishan et al.,
1986). The leaves of L. leucocephala compare favorably
with that of alfalfa or lucerne (Medicago sativa) in terms of
protein and minerals. Also, the amino acid composition of
*Corresponding author: E-mail: atawodi_se@yahoo. Tel:
08033850613, 08057196665.
these two species is very similar, except for the higher
isoleucine content of L. leucocephala (Jaikishan et al.,
1986).
L. leucocephala leaves have also been used in feeds for
non-ruminants like pig, and its processed seeds are also
used as feed ingredient. It is reported to have a very good
effect on the performance of growing - fattening pigs (Lee et
al., 1983). Fish, rodents and poultry may also be raised on
diets supplemented with L. leucocephala leaves (Ekpeyong,
1986; Wee and Shun-sen, 1987). Furthermore, D'Mello and
Acamovic (1982) reported that the use of L. leucocephala
leaves in various forms, as supplemental diet may not impair
the growth performance of young chicks, significantly.
This impaired growth performance and loss of hair,
especially in non-ruminants is attributable to the presence of
a toxic amino acid, mimosine - a factor that has greatly
limited the use of L. leucocephala as animal feed in the
tropics (Jones, 1979). In addition, another factor that has
limited the widespread use of L. leucocephala is the lack of
318 Afr. J. Biotechnol.
appreciation of the animal production capacity of specified
systems that include L. leucocephala as the legume
component of the diet. The reviews of Gray (1968) and Hills
(1971) highlight the paucity of information on the animal
production aspects of L. leucocephala as forage species.
To bridge the gap in knowledge, this work was designed with
the aim of converting the protein present in L. leucocephala
into animal protein (egg) by establishing the effect of
different levels of L. leucocephala supplementation on egg
production and egg quality in laying hens.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental birds
Laying hens at about 50% lay were obtained from ECWA Farms
(ECWA Rural Development LTD Jos, Nigeria). Routine vaccinations
were administered at ECWA Veterinary Clinic Bukuru, Near Jos,
Plateau State at recommended ages. The layers were divided into four
groups of ten (10) hens each and kept in separate pens under the same
condition of lighting and feeding regimes. The groups are as follows:
group I (control)- birds were maintained on pure ECWA super layers
feed; group II - birds were maintained on 5% L. leucocephala -
supplemented super layers feed; group III - birds were maintained on
10% L. leucocephala supplemented super layers feed; group IV - birds
were maintained on 20% L. leucocephala supplemented ECWA super
layers diet.
After acquisition and random distribution of the birds into four pens,
the birds were fed ECWA super layers feed and allowed to acclimatize
for 3 weeks when each group reached a weekly percentage lay of
approximately 50%. Thereafter, each group was fully introduced to its
diet (in a step-wise manner) within four days. All groups were fed ad
libitum between 7 am and 9 pm each day, after which lights were
switched-off. Birds in all groups had unrestricted access to water.
Twelve kilogram feed was allocated to each group per week. Prior to
commencement of feeding experiments, diets were analyzed for their
proximate compositions using the method of AOAC (1984).
Proximate analysis
Moisture was taken as the weight lost when 2.00 g of the sample was
dried to a constant weight at 106oC for 18 h in a hot air circulating
oven. Weight left after incineration of 2.00 g of the sample at 600oC
in a muffle furnace (Stuart, England) for 5 h was used in calculating
the % total ash. Fat was determined by reflux extraction for 6 h with
petroleum ether (Bpt 40 - 60oC) using the Soxhlex apparatus. Crude
fiber was determined by a semi- automated procedure using Fibretec
system M1020 Hot extractor (Tecator Instruments, Sweden) while
crude protein determination was based on the micro-Kjeldahl
principle using a semi-automated device (Kjeltec system 1005).
Nitrogen free extract (NFE) was obtained by a standard method
(AOAC, 1984). All analyses were performed in triplicates, and
parameters were calculated based on dry weights of the diets.
L. leucocephala
The leaves of L. leucocephala were obtained from Jos, Plateau state,
Nigeria and its environs in the months of April/May. The leaves were
dried directly under sun and thereafter pounded to a fairly smooth
texture. Leaf stalks were removed and the rather powdery material
stored in air - tight polythene bags.
Collection of eggs
Eggs from each experimental group were collected at 12 noon and 5.00
pm each day and counted. Eggs collected on every 7th day were kept
refrigerated at 4oC for measurement of volume and weight. Where
eggs collected for any group was not up to five (5), eggs from the
morning of the eighth day were added to make up the number.
Measurement of egg size (volume), weight and specific gravity
Average egg size was measured as the volume of water (cm3)
displaced when five eggs were added to 500 ml water contained in a
one-liter measuring cylinder. This total volume displaced was divided
by the number of eggs immersed to obtain the average egg size.
Weight of five eggs was taken together and divided by the number of
eggs to obtain the average weight of the eggs. Thereafter, the specific
gravity of the eggs was calculated by dividing the weekly average
weight of eggs (g) by the corresponding average volume (cm3) of eggs.
Statistical analysis
To establish the effect of the different treatments, data obtained were
subjected to student’s t-test at P = 0.05 and P = 0.01. Additionally,
regression analysis was performed to establish any possible
association between egg lay and crude fiber content, and between
crude fiber content and L. leucocephala content of the diets.
RESULTS
Proximate compositions
Data for percentage proximate compositions are present-
ed in Table 1. The values are presented based on dry
weight. Crude fiber, protein and lipid components of the
diets ranged from 8.59 - 22.29, 17.79 - 22.76 and 4.60 -
9.41%, respectively. There was a good correlation
between fiber content and L. leucocephala content of
experimental diets (r = 0.99) while the pure L. leucocephala
meal had the highest fiber content of 22.29%. The highest
value of calcium (3.48%) was found in the standard
(control) diet while the lowest value (2.0%) was found in
sun-dried L. leucocephala meal. Phosphorus was highest
for control diet (1.28%) and lowest for sun-dried L.
leucocephala meal (0.2%). For the diets used in the
feeding experiments, an inverse relationship was found
between calcium and L. leucocephala content (r = - 0.94),
and also between phosphorus and L. leucocephala content
of diets (r = -0.88).
 Atawodi et al. 319

Table 1. Proximate composition of L. leucocephala-supplemented diets (%).

Moisture Crude protein Crude fiber Fat Ash Ca Phosphorus

Diet (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) NFE (mg/) (mg/g)
ECWA Super layer 6.54 17.79 8.59 9.41 15.56 45.63 3.48 1.28
5% L. leucocephala 6.68 19.40 10.78 8.75 13.57 42.00 3.16 0.80
10% L. leucocephala 6.23 20.39 11.52 6.91 12.36 44.99 2.38 0.79
20% L. leucocephala 6.63 20.48 15.92 7.67 12.23 43.21 2.16 0.58
Sun-dried L.
6.70 22.76 22.29 4.60 9.73 36.55 1.94 0.25
leucocephala meal

leucocephala supplementation, especially in excess of 10%

appeared to cause a nominal decrease in the egg size. But
as time progressed and as the hens got used to the diets,
this effect disappeared with the average egg size of the
control, 5, 10 and 20% supplemented diet respectively
standing at 54.18 ± 2.23, 54.89 ± 4.39 53.61 ± 3.41 and
53.28 ± 4.85 after 17 weeks on the experimental diets.
Statistical analysis showed that L. leucocephala supple-
mentation (up to 20 %) had no significant effect on egg size
(P >0.05).

L. leucocephala and specific gravity of eggs

The specific gravity of a substance is the weight of the

Figure 1. Cumulative average weekly daily eggs lay by hens fed
different levels of L. leucocephala-supplemented diets
L. leucocephala and egg lay
The weekly average daily egg lay data are presented in
Table 2. L. leucocephala supplementation between 5 and
20% had significant (P <0.01) adverse effect on the weekly
average daily egg lay. This effect is confirmed by data on
cumulative weekly daily average egg lay (Figure 1) which
show a progressive decrease to 88.2, 68.7 and 53.4% for 5,
10 and 20% L. leucocephala supplemented diet respec-
tively, when compared to the group on ECWA super layers
alone (control).
L. leucocephala and egg size
Since the size of egg is the first attraction for a prospective
buyer of eggs, the effect of L. leucocephala supplementation
on the weekly average daily egg size was measured as the
average volume of water displaced by each egg. The data
are presented in Table 2. At the initial stages, L.
substance per unit volume. It is a major factor in egg quality
as it may reflect the viability of an egg. Apart from egg size
and probably shell color, the specific gravity is the only other
major attraction for buyers of eggs. L. leucocephala
supplementation had no significant effect on the specific
gravity of the eggs (P >0.05), although a nominal increase in
specific gravity with increasing level of supplementation was
observed (Table 2).
DISCUSSION
L. leucocephala supplementation progressively decreased
cumulative weekly average daily egg lay to 88.2, 68.7 and
53.4% for 5, 10 and 20% supplementation levels,
respectively when compared to the standard commercial
diet (Figure 1). The weekly average daily egg lay was
significantly reduced (p <0.01) at all supplementation
levels examined (Table 2). This reduction in egg lay as a
result of L. leucocephala supplementation is not entirely
surprising. L. leucocephala is known to contain a non-
protein amino acid, mimosine, which is an antimitotic and
depilatory agent, as well as possessing other unusual
physiological properties. A concentrations of 10% or above
in the diets of rats and pigs, reduced growth rate, reduced
320 Afr. J. Biotechnol.
Table 2. Effect of L. leucocephala supplementation on weekly average daily egg lay, egg size and specific gravity following
seventeen weeks of treatment.
Diets Weekly average daily
egg lay (number)
a a
Control (ECWA Super layer) 5.81 ± 1.54
b a
5% L. leucocephala 5.12 ± 0.87
c a
10% L. leucocephala 3.99 ± 1.23
d a
20% L. leucocephala 3.10 ± 1.51
Column values with different superscripts are significantly (P < 0.01) different.
fertility, abortions and hair loss have been reported (Jones,
1985; Holmes et al., 1981). Besides, mimosine undergoes
autolysis or microbial degradation to form 3 - hydroxy-4 (1H)
- pyridone (3,4 DHP). DHP is a potent goitrogen of the
thiouracil type that causes reduced serum levels of thyroxine
(T4). This depressed thyroxine level has other side effects
that may be associated with the reduced appetite, drooling
and even hair loss (Jones, 1985).
Egg layers are known to have a high requirement for
nutrients, especially calcium, magnesium and phosphorus
(NRC, 1977). Ordinarily, the calcium (2.16 – 3.48 mg/g) and
to a large extent, phosphorus (0.2 5 – 1.28 mg/g) contents
of the diets (Table 1) could be considered adequate to
sustain good egg lay. However, the reduced appetite, pre-
sumably resulting from DHP toxicity, coupled with the high
percentage reduction in the levels of calcium and phos-
phorus in L. leucocephala supplemented diets when
compared to that of the standard diet, may have reduced the
availability of these essential nutrients to the birds, and
hence the observed decrease in egg lay with increasing
level of L. leucocephala supplementation.
In addition, reduced egg production may result from
excessive fiber content of diets. This is confirmed by
analysis of the diets which showed that the control (ECWA
super layers), 5, 10 and 20% supplemented diets had
average fiber contents of 8.59, 10.78, 11.82 and 15.92%,
respectively. This fiber content positively correlates well with
the level of L. leucocephala supplementation (r = 0.99), and
inversely with weekly average daily egg lay (r = -0.96). It is
striking to note that the correlation coefficient between fiber
content and level of L. leucocephala supplementation, and
between fiber content and weekly average egg lay is almost
equal, although opposite in magnitude.
Besides, the capacity of mimosine to form stable chelates
with some mineral elements has been suggested (Jones,
1985; Ross and Springhal, 1963). This possibility has dual
implications: The chelate formation could reduce the
amount of mimosine available to cause direct toxicity; on the
other hand, the chelation may deprive the animal of the
Weekly average daily Specific gravity
3
egg size (cm ) of eggs
a
54.18 ± 2.33 1.12 ± 0.05
a
54.89 ± 4.39 1.08 ± 0.05
a
53.61 ± 3.41 1.10 ± 0.05
a
53.28 ± 4.85 1.16 ± 0.08
much-required nutrient by interfering with their uptake and/or
utilization, and hence resulting in reduced egg lay. It is
known that mineral-mimosine complex formation as a
detoxification mechanism may be interfered with by high
phosphorus content of a diet. But the relatively low phos-
phorus content of the L. leucocephala-supplemented diets
in this experiment (as low as 0.25 mg/g) precludes such a
possibility. The results of this experiment has demonstrated
that L. leucocephala leaves may be useful as protein feed
supplement in layers but only at supplementation levels not
greater than 5%.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We thankfully appreciate the Management of ECWA Rural
Development LTD (ERD) for supporting this project.
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