MJAS

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**Effect of Trichantera gigantea leaves on growth performance of Ayam Saga**

Kathiraser, T.*, Mohd Abdul Nasir, N.R.A., Mat Saad, S.M., Wan Md Zain, W.S. and Samat, N.

Livestock Science Research Center, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2024 27(1): 43-50

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Poultry meat is a crucial source of protein for consumers in Malaysia. There is growing interest in supplementing natural feed additives for production of healthier chicken for consumers. This study delves into the potential for locally produced dried Ketum Ayam leaves (scientifically known as Trichantera gigantea), as a feed additive for improving growth performance of Ayam Saga. A total of 120 male Ayam Saga birds, aged 4 weeks, were selected at random and divided into four treatment groups (control, 1%, 3%, and 5% Ketum Ayam leaves) using a completely randomized design. Each treatment consisted of 6 replicates with 5 birds per replicate. They were subjected to an 8-week feeding trial until the birds reached 12 weeks of age. Data on body weight and feed intake were recorded for each group to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Carcass yield was also similarly recorded. Results revealed that the Ayam Saga supplemented with 1% Ketum Ayam leaves and control group had significantly higher (p<0.05) final body weight and body weight gain compared to the higher inclusion rates of 3% and 5% Ketum Ayam leaves. For the feed conversion ratio, better efficiency was observed for the 1% feed supplementation and control group. Carcass yield showed the similar trend of significantly higher (p<0.05) yields for 1% and control group. Further investigations using larger sample groups and lower inclusion rates (<1%) is beneficial to provide further insights into factors influencing the optimal feed supplementation of Ketum Ayam leaves in improving growth performance of Ayam Saga.