Influence of Feeding Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Leaves on the Performance of Vanaraja Laying Hen

Abstract

The study was undertaken to investigate the utilization of cow pea leaves in Vanaraja laying hens. Vanaraja laying hens (N=36, 25 weeks old)  were randomly distributed into 3 equal groups (duplicated into 3 groups of 3 laying hens each ) on wire mesh floored cages and offered standard layer ration @ 125g/hen/day (T1), standard layer ration @75g/hen/day and cow pea leaves as fresh basis @ 75g/hen/day (T2) and standard layer ration @ 62.5g/hen/day with cow pea leaves @ 125g/hen/day (T3) for a period of 8 weeks. Results indicated that significant (P<0.05) reduction in egg production (dozen or kg) was observed in group fed 125g cow pea leaves/hen/day. However, laying hens fed 75g of fresh cow pea leaves/hen/day produced eggs (in dozen) similar to that of control group. Feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) reduced based on the dry matter intake due to feeding of cow pea leaves. Feed efficiency (feed intake in kg/dozen egg or feed intake in kg/kg egg mass) was significantly improved (P<0.05) in 1st group of laying hens fed cow pea leaves  @ 75g/hen/day. . Feed cost to produce dozen income generation due to significant reduction in feed cost without affecting their performance. egg was significantly lower (P<0.05) for both the experimental groups fed cow pea leaves. It may be concluded that cow pea leaves can be fed @ 75g/hen /day on fresh basis to Vanaraja laying hens for more income generation due to significant reduction in feed cost without affecting their performance.