Response curve of growing ducklings fed wheat bran and graded levels of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)

 Seng Sokerya

sesokerya@yahoo.com

Abstract 

An experiment of growing ducklings fed diets based on wheat bran and graded levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% in fresh basis) of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) as protein source (DM 8.01; Nx6.25 25.0%) was designed in order to determine the growth response curve of the birds. Every treatment was twice replicated with five birds per replica.

 Performance traits of the animals in the range of age of one to five days-old indicated a significant curvilinear response (feed intake R² = 0.78 and P = 0.73; daily gain, R² = 0.71 and  P = 0.001). There was a significant effect (P = 0.001) of treatment on feed intake and daily gain. Feed conversion ratio was significantly (P = 0.001) affected by the inclusion of water spinach in the diet with the high and low values (5.27 and 3.79 kg feed/kg gain) for 0 and 60% of water spinach introduction in the diet.

 According to the results obtained the fibrous characteristics of the water spinach consumed chopped and with any drying process could influence voluntary feed intake of the birds. Further studies concerning the use of graded levels of water spinach during growing-finishing stages of ducks are suggested.

 Key words: ducklings, wheat bran, water spinach, growth rate