Abstract

This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of latex of pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn) as a feed additive and crude enzyme complex on growth performance, cell-mediated immunity, carcass and organ measurements of broiler chicken. Four experimental diets each were formulated during the starter (1-28d) and finisher (29-49d) phases such that the basal diets were supplemented with 0, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2% Pawpaw Latex (PL). A total of 120 day-old Arbor Acre chicks were randomly allocated to the four dietary treatments comprising of three replicates each in a completely randomized design. Performance parameters measured include Daily Feed Intake (DFI) and Daily Weight Gain (DWG) while Feed to Gain Ratio (FGR) and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) were estimated. At day 49, twelve birds per treatment were randomly selected for slaughter in order to measure carcass cut-up parts (thigh, breast, neck, wing, back, drumstick and abdominal fat), and selected organs were weighed and expressed relative to live weight. The immunity index was also evaluated. Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and treatment means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. PL contained 54.9% crude protein, 6.28% ether extract, 4.65% crude fibre, 5.5% ash and 18.79% nitrogen free extracts. At the starter phase, there was a general decline in DFI, DWG and FGR as levels of PL increased. Between days 28-49, broilers on 0.1%PL had comparable DWG, FGR, PER and carcass yield with those fed PL-free diet. Hypertrophy of gizzard, liver and intestines were recorded with increase in level of PL. Generally, dietary inclusion of pawpaw latex decreased growth performance but maintained carcass yield, improved immune response and survivability of broiler chickens.