REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSE TO INCLUSION OF GRADED LEVELS OF Ipomoea purpurea LEAF MEAL (MORNING GLORY) IN DIETS OF LAYING CHICKENS

Abstract

Reproductive responses of laying birds fed Ipomea purpurea leaf meal (IPML) were investigated. Atotal of 40, 25-weeks old birds grouped into four treatments of 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% inclusion levels of IPML were used for this experiment in a completely randomized design layout. The birds were artificially inseminated with semen from cockerels on controlled diet thrice in a week. A total of 400 eggs were collected and set in an incubator. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in Hen day production,
feed/dozen eggs and the egg characteristics investigated. The blood glucose levels significantly decreased (p<0.05) while level of progesterone significantly increased (p<0.05) with increase in
level of IPLM inclusion. The percentages of fertility and hatchability were high while the survivability was 100%. It can be concluded that IPLM inclusion level of up to 7.50% supports high fertility, hatchability and survivability and could be used in breeder diets for the production of fertile eggs.