International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

Does the use of Mucuna pruriens IRZ seeds in the diets of these chicks answer this question?

The incorporation of these seeds in their feed was done at different rates of 0, 8, 13 and 18%. Five types of feed were allocated to each batch of chicks. The roasted preparation of the seeds was replaced by an overnight soaking in water, followed by boiling for 30 minutes and finished by removing the skins, following the death of some chicks after one week of experimentation.

The different types of feed are analysed bromatologically and the chicks are weighed weekly.

The weight gains obtained are proportional to the increase in the rate of seed incorporation. Control chicks reared in the field had slow growth. The feed composed of 18% Mucuna meal was the most effective.

Cooked Mucuna seeds being non-competing seeds to human food, available locally and in abundance are food that can feed well and increase the local breed chicks.