International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

Mucuna seeds have been undertaken in the supplementation of Gallus feed. Locally available, rich in protein, they do not compete with human food. However, they have a high level of L-dopa, which disturbs digestion, thus requiring prior treatment before consumption. Seven different treatments are tried: untreated; soaking in water; boiling; soaking followed by boiling; depelleted; added with sodium bicarbonate and roasted. They are analyzed by NIRS and bromatological analysis, their L-dopa content is determined.

Two feed types are considered: incorporation of depelleted and bicarbonated seeds at different feeding rates. Feeding is carried out to different categories of Gallus. The weight evolution is monitored. Laying rate is considered for layers.

The nitrogenous content is particularly high and that in mineral elements and fat are not negligible. The antinutritional factors are very reduced in the depelleted seeds (0,79%) and decrease by half for the bicarbonated seeds (6,61 to 2,96%) by affecting little the nutritional value.

Chickens fed with Mucuna seeds show weight growth even for local breed chickens. A 20% incorporation rate of depelleted seeds is effective for local chicks and 10% for broilers and layers. The entry in laying is favoured whether these rates are 10% or 20%.