The Effects of dietary level of mulberry leaf powder on growth performance, carcass yields, and some serum lipid levels in Pradu-Hang-Dam chickens during cool and rainy seasons

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of using powdered mulberry leaves at different concentrations and during different seasons on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood lipid levels in Pradu-Hang-Dam chickens. One-week-old chickens were divided into three groups: a control group (without mulberry leaf powder (MLP)), and two groups fed diets with 0.5% and 1.5% MLP, respectively. The results revealed that chickens in the control group and those supplemented with 1.5% MLP had the highest feed intake during the cool and rainy seasons, respectively (P < 0.05). The daily growth rate was highest in the control groups and 0.5% MLP during the cool and rainy seasons, respectively (P < 0.05). Feed intake and average daily gain were higher during the cool season than the rainy season for all mulberry leaf concentrations (P < 0.05). The group supplemented with 0.5% MLP had the lowest feed conversion ratio, especially significant in the rainy season (P < 0.05). The group supplemented with 1.5% MLP exhibited higher carcass characteristics than the control group during the rainy season (P < 0.05). During the cool season, the control group had higher carcass characteristics than the MLP-supplemented group, with overall values higher than the rainy season. The analysis of blood lipid metabolism showed that the triglyceride, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein levels in the group supplemented with 0.5% MLP during the cool season were the lowest. In conclusion, the cool season is suitable for raising Pradu-Hang-Dam chickens. Additionally, supplementing the diet with 0.5% MLP was sufficient to induce changes in growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters.