The Feeding Value Of Processed Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) For Pullet Chicks

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of processed velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) on performance and haematological parameters of pullet chicks. Mucuna bean seeds were soaked in an aqueous solution of potassium bicarbonate (K2Co3) at room temperature (22-24oC) for 24 hrs. After discarding the soaking solution, the seeds were cooked with water for 80 minutes, sun-dried for 48 hrs, milled in a hammer mill and used to formulate the experimental diets. Five pullet chicks' starter diets were formulated to contain 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels of processed Mucuna seed meal (MSM), respectively. Ninety 4-week old black Harco breed of pullet chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups of 18 chicks each. Each group was randomly assigned to one of the five treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Results of the feeding trial showed that there were significant (