EFFECTS OF ALBIZIA JULIBRISSIN LEAF MEAL-BASED DIET ON CARCASS AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

The carcass and sensory characteristics of broiler chicken fed Albizia julibrissin leaf meal (AJLM) was studied. A total of 24 (6 from each treatment) 8 weeks old broiler chickens were randomly selected from 120 broiler chickens fed diets containing 0% (control, T1), 2% (T2), 3% (T3) and 4% (T4) AJLM. The chickens were weighed and slaughtered after a 24 hour feed withdrawal. Carcass and viscera weights were taken, after which viscera and primal cuttings were bagged and labeled for carcass and sensory analysis. The breast muscles were grilled to an internal temperature of 70oC for 15 minutes for sensory analysis. The results showed that, AJLM had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. In addition, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in colour, juiciness, flavour, flavour-liking and overall- liking. However, there was significant difference (P<0.05) in tenderness and taste. Tenderness of T3 was significantly better (P<0.05) than T1, T2, and T4.Taste of T1and T3weresignificantly better (P<0.05) than that ofT2and T4. Feeding of AJLMto broiler chickens up to 4% on weight basis has no adverse effect on carcass and sensory characteristics.