EGG PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF IMPROVED PHILIPPINE MALLARD DUCKS (Anas platyrhynchos) FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH FRESH TRICHANTHERA (Trichanthera gigantea) LEAVES

Abstract

The nutritional values and feeding trial of fresh Trichanthera (Trichanthera gigantea) leaves for Improved Philippine Mallard Duck (IPMD) layers were examined. Proximate, calcium, phosphorus and energy contents of Trichanthera were analyzed. Its effects on egg production, fertility and hatchability were analyzed when used as part of a ration of IPMD on early lay performance. For the feeding trial, a total of 108 IPMD were randomly assigned in three treatments following Completely Randomized Design (CRD); each treatment had three replication with 12 ducks (2 drakes and 10 ducks) per replicate. The treatments were: without Trichanthera, with 50 g Trichanthera/duck/day and with 100 g Trichanthera/duck/day. When expressed on dry matter (DM) basis, Trichanthera contained 93.30% DM, 19.59% crude protein, 11.89% crude fiber, 2.33% crude fat, 20.15% ash, 4.47% calcium, 0.25% phosphorus and 2,310 kcal ME/kg. The combined intake of feed and Trichanthera was higher (P<0.01) for IPMD fed 100 g Trichanthera/duck/day and had numerically higher egg production (85.88%) than their counterparts. Gain in weight of the IPMD during the seven-week period was not influenced (P>0.05) by Trichanthera feeding. Egg quality, egg classification, fertility and hatchability of eggs, and quality of hatchling were not affected by Trichanthera. Numerically, higher IOFC (Php 47.43/duck) was attained from IPMD fed 100 g of Trichanthera/duck/day.