Broiler Pigmentation Using Pigment Concentrate Extracted From Legumes Leaves

Abstract

Leguine leaves contain high amount of carotcnoids which potential for pigmentation. Previous experiment had developed a tecluiology to extract the pigment from legume leaves (Gliricidia septum,  Leucaena leucocephala, Caliandra
calothyrsus and Sesbania  grandiflora) and boundto a carrier. The purpose of tl1is experiment is to prove that this product (pigment concentrate = PC) can be used as a pigmentor for broiler skin. The experiment was carried out using 216 DOC strain "Indian River" placed in 27 wired cages which had 8 chicks in each. The design of experiment was Completely Randomized Design with 9 types of diets
containing 0.3 and 0.6% of PC from 4 types of legume leaves and ba sal dict (without PC). Parameters measured were body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion and shank colour. Analysis of carotcnoids was also carried out on PC, feed and liver. The results showed that there were no significant difference (P > 0.05 ) among treatments on body weight gain( 823 -898 grams), feed consumption (1247 - l442 grams) and feed conversion(l.46 -1.66). While the shank colour was significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatments. The highest score was found using 0.6% PC from Calliandra leaves (8.67) followed by Sesbania (8.50), Leucaena(7.58), and Gliricidia(7.25). The xanthophyll content in the liver was very low with the highest value was that fed with diet containing PC from Calliandra leaves. hi conclusion, pigment concentrate extracted from Calliandra leaves was the best pigmentor and caused no negative effect to the performance of birds.