The study evaluated the feeding value of Fermented Trichantera Leaf Meal (FTLM) using 150 day-old straight-run broilers in a 35-day feeding trial. The animals were assigned into 5 treatments using completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were: T1-0%FTLM, T2-5%FTLM, T3-10%FTLM, T4-15%FTLM, and T5-Commercial feed. Diets in T1 to T4 were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous except for TS that is commercially produced in the locality and has their own formulation. Proximate analysis was performed on the fresh and fermented Trichantera to determine the effect of fermentation in the nutrient composition. The result significantly shows an increase in the calculated ME and decrease in the amount of fiber. Growth performance, dressing yield, nutrient utilization, and profitability was evaluated. It was found that animals given 5%FTLM had better final weight at 1177.00 g (p>0.0006), gain in weight at 1,137.10 g (p>0.0005), daily gain at 32.49 g/day (p>0.0006), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 1.63 (p0.0009) compared to other treatments. However, animals given 10% FTLM have better dressing percentage at 81.91% (p0.0000). It was also found that 15%FTLM have better fecal digestibility which is not utilized by the animal. Treatment 2 also had better profitability than other treatments because it had the least cost to gain ratio (Php 41.66) and highest return above feed cost (Php 129.90). Over-all, it was found that 5%FTLM had appositive effect on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, and profitability. It is therefore recommended that the optimal inclusion level of FILM be maintained at 5%.

Thesis (Master of Science - Animal Science)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.