Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of administration of Centrosema pubescens leaf extract on growth, carcass and organ characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and twenty day old chicks (Arbor acre) were assigned to four experimental treatments namely T1 (CLE 0ml) T2 (CLE 15ml) T3 (CLE 30ml) and T4 (CLE 45ml). Each treatment was replicated thrice with ten birds. Data collected on all the parameters examined were statistically analyzed. The result of the study showed that significant (p<0.05) difference was recorded in final weight, weight gain and feed intake of the broiler chickens both at starter and finisher level. Birds in T4¬ recorded the highest significant (p<0.05) values for the three parameters. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the values of live weight, dressed weight and carcass cut-parts (thigh, breast, drumstick, wing and back) of the experimental birds. The internal organs of the birds were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the treatment. The findings of this study showed that administering leaf extract of Centrosema pubescens at 15ml, 30ml and 45ml/litre of water improved the performance, live weight, dressed weight and relative cut-parts (thigh, breast, drumstick, back and wing) of broiler chickens.