GROWTH PERFORMANCE, FLOCK UNIFORMITY AND COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF BROILER CHICKEN UNDER PHASE FEEDING REGIME FED SUPPLEMENTAL MANGO LEAF AS A NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of phase feeding and supplemental mango leaf powder on the growth performance, flock uniformity, and cost-benefit analysis of broiler chickens. A total of 90 Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (D, E, and F), with 30 birds per treatment. The experiment spanned six weeks, and data on feed intake, body weight, production efficiency index (PEI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), flock uniformity, and economic indices were collected and analyzed. Results showed that broilers in Treatment C had the highest final body weight (1880g), while Treatment B recorded the lowest (1816g). Feed conversion ratio was most efficient in Treatment A (2.11), followed by Treatment C (2.14) and Treatment B (2.28). The highest PEI was observed in Treatment C (195.92), indicating better survivability and growth efficiency. In terms of profitability, Treatment B yielded the highest revenue (₦6580) and profit (₦2987.1), while Treatment C had the lowest cost per kg weight gain (₦1957), making it the most cost-effective. Flock uniformity varied throughout the study, with Treatment B showing the most improvement towards the final stage. The study suggests that supplementing broiler diets with mango leaf powder under a phase feeding regime can enhance growth performance and economic efficiency. Treatment C demonstrated the best overall outcomes in terms of weight gain and cost-effectiveness, while Treatment B maximized profitability.