Int. J. Biosci.

2021

International Journal of Biosciences | IJB |

ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print), 2222-5234 (Online)
http://www.innspub.net
Vol. 19, No. 4, p. 152-163, 2021

RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS

Dietary effect of Tamarindus indica leaf meal on the growth

performance, cell-mediated immunity, carcass yield, and
economic traits in broiler chickens

Razul L. Minanga, Keiven Mark B. Ampode*

Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Sultan Kudarat State University – Lutayan
Campus, 9803, Philippines

Key words: Tamarind, growth performance, economic traits, lymphoid organs, dressing percentage.

http://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/19.4.152-163 Article published on October 27, 2021

Abstract
The addition of synthetic antibiotics into broiler diets was banned in the European Union due to growing public
health concerns. As a result, interest in the effects of different phytobiotic plants on animal health and
production performance increases. The tamarind (Tamarindus indica Linn.) is a medicinal plant containing
crude protein, fiber, vitamins, and amino acids. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the potential of
tamarind leaf meal (TLM) on the broiler chicken's growth performance, cell-mediated immunity, carcass yield,
and economic traits. Seventy-five (75) broiler chicks, regardless of sex, were randomly distributed into five
dietary treatments replicated three times with five birds per replication. The five dietary treatments were: T 1-
commercial ration (control); T2- homemade ration (HR) + 0% TLM; Treatment 3- HR + 1% TLM; T4- HR + 3%
TLM, and T5- HR + 5% TLM. The collected data were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in a
Completely Randomized Design using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0 software. A
significant difference in the growth performance and cell-mediated immunity parameters was observed in bi-
weekly final weight, bi-weekly body weight gain, bi-weekly voluntary feed intake, slaughter weight, dressed
weight, and cell-mediated immunity, while the feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage showed no
significant differences. Moreover, the overall result and the return above feed and chick cost indicated a
promising prospect for broiler chickens. In conclusion, incorporating 3% tamarind leaf meal into broiler diets is
feasible in broiler chicken production.
* Corresponding Author: Keiven Mark Bigtasin Ampode  [email protected]

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Introduction protein sources (Laing and Wongtangtintharn, 2013).

Broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) plays a
significant economic role in most developing Tamarind (Tamarindus indica Linn.) is a medium-
countries and is essential for the rapidly growing sized tree in the Caesalpinaceae family. It has been
populations' food security. However, the gradual used as a medicinal plant for centuries, and its fruits
increment of the human population resulted in an are the most valuable part, which has been reported
increased demand for animal protein in developing as curative in several pharmacopeias (Gumgumjee et
countries (Lagua and Ampode, 2021). In order to al., 2012). Tamarind leaves also contain crude
meet the demand for poultry meat products, synthetic protein, fat, fiber, and vitamins such as riboflavin,
antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) are usually added thiamine, ascorbic acid, niacin, and β-carotene (El-
to animal feed to stimulate growth, minimize Siddig et al., 2006). Furthermore, it has been
mortality by preventing infections, improved gut reported that tamarind leaves extract improved the
function, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidative hematological response and blood chemistry of
actions (Windisch et al., 2008). However, synthetic Yankasa rams (Garba and Abubalar, 2012). In the
antibiotics had indirect adverse effects on human Philippines, limited research was conducted on the
health because of residues in chicken meat and the utilization of tamarind leaf meals in the poultry diet.
increased resistance of certain microbes (Yang et al., Thus, this study was conducted to ascertain the
2009; WHO, 2012). The resistant cells survive and potential of tamarind leaf meal graded levels on the
grow in low levels of antibiotics, resulting in an growth performance, immune response, carcass yield,
antibiotic-resistant population in the final products. and economic traits in broiler chickens.
Further, antibiotics as growth promoters in animal
feed have been banned in the European Union since Methodology
January 2006 (Laing and Wongtangtintharn, 2013). Handling and procurement of broiler chickens
The investigation was carried out following Good
Alternative substances and strategies for promoting Animal Husbandry Practices standards for the care
animal growth and disease prevention are being and use of laboratory animals. Furthermore, chickens
investigated, and phytobiotic feed additives have were handled humanely in accordance with ethical
received increased attention as they have gained standards. The experiment used seventy-five (75)
acceptance (Nanekarani et al., 2012). Likewise, if day-old broiler chicks of both sexes. These day-old
birds are not fully supplied with medicines become broiler chicks were obtained from a reputable source
vulnerable to disease and stress (Catolico and and housed at the experimental poultry station of the
Ampode, 2019). Therefore, it is a constant challenge College of Agriculture, Sultan Kudarat State
for animal nutritionists and health experts to use University, Lutayan Campus.
various medicinal plants as antibiotic substitutes in
broiler diets (Zhang et al., 2009). Preparation of experimental cages
All facilities were cleansed and disinfected one week
Furthermore, rising feed costs have made poultry before the chicks' arrival to avoid the spread of
production a losing proposition in many parts of the infection. The brooder pen had a 1-meter width × 2-
world. To overcome such a problem, farmers utilized meter height built of galvanized iron sheets. This was
local feed ingredients to reduce the high costs of feed cleaned and disinfected with a commercial
and antibiotics. Due to the high cost of feeds and the disinfectant before the experimental birds were
scarcity of essential raw materials, poultry farmers placed for brooding (Catolico and Ampode, 2019).
are searching for systems that can identify feed After the brooding stage, the broiler chicks were
ingredients with lower costs and high biological transferred to grower cages with the required
values that can supplement conventional energy and standard floor area requirement of 1 square foot per

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bird (Catolico and Ampode, 2019). The grower cages The experimental pens were disinfected with a
were made of local materials and built-in raised standard commercial disinfectant solution seven (7)
colony-style pens. The experimental cages were built days before the experiment, allowing for a seven (7)
with provisions for optimal ventilation and the day downtime period. Furthermore, cleanliness and
avoidance of excessive cold temperatures. sanitation were implemented throughout the
experimental period. Proper biosecurity measures
Brooding and rearing management were observed, including setting up fences to avoid
The day-old chicks were placed in the brooding pen, unauthorized persons or stray dogs which would
and old newspapers were used as beddings or litter disturb the experimental area.
throughout the brooding phase and were frequently
changed. The broiler chickens were provided with two Preparation of homemade ration
50 watts electric bulbs as a source of artificial heat The homemade ration was prepared after purchasing
until they could regulate their body temperature. all the feed ingredients. The tamarind leaves were
Throughout the whole brooding time, the chicks were collected from Barangay, Blingkong, Lutayan, Sultan
fed with commercial booster mash (14 days). After the Kudarat. These were dried, hammer milled using an
brooding period, the chicks were transferred to the attrition mill, and sieved through a 1 mm sieve before
grower cages, and the recommended feeding program being added to the formulation. The tamarind leaf
for broiler chickens was followed. Moreover, proper meal was analyzed for proximate analysis following
sanitation, cleanliness, and chicken dung removal the methods of AOAC (2016). The nutrient analysis
were done regularly to get rid of flies and foul odor. was used to formulate the starter and finisher rations.
The maximum amount of feedstuff included in the
Feeding and water management ration was considered following the Philippine
All experimental birds were fed ad libitum to ensure Recommendations for Livestock Feed Formulation
that they were fed continually. The broiler chickens (Table 1, 2, and 3).
were provided with experimental rations from the 15th
to 28th days, given starter mash, and gradually shifted Experimental design and treatment
to grower mash from day 29th to day 42nd. The ad Seventy (75) day-old broiler chicks, regardless of sex,
libitum feeding was done at 6:00 in the morning, were used in the study. These birds were randomly
12:00 noon, and 3:00 pm. The given rations were distributed into five (5) dietary treatments, replicated
weighed and recorded. Separate feed containers were three (3) times with five birds per replication, and
provided for each treatment, and feed refuse was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD).
collected and weighed after a day. Also, clean and The experimental treatments were as follows:
fresh drinking water was provided throughout the
feeding experiment. All birds were treated equally as T1 – Commercial ration
to other environmental requirements throughout the T2 - Homemade ration without tamarind leaf meal
experimental period. (Control)
T3 - Homemade ration with 1% tamarind leaf meal
Health management T4 - Homemade ration with 3% tamarind leaf meal
All procedures to secure the health status of the T5 - Homemade ration with 5% tamarind leaf meal
experimental birds are based on the methods of
Ampode et al. (2020). A standard dose of electrolytes Slaughtering of birds
and multivitamins was administered via drinking At the end of the investigation, broiler chickens were
water seven (7) days before the onset of the starved for 12 hours, and the final weight was
experiment. This was done to fortify the birds' recorded before slaughter. One bird per replicate of
immune systems against management-related stress. body weights close to each replicate's average body

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weight means was slaughtered (Haruna and Odunsi, Statistical analysis

2018). The methods in slaughtering the experimental The data gathered were subjected to a One-Way
birds are based on the rules and regulations on Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and treatment means
humane handling in slaughtering animals for food were compared using Tukey's Honest Significant
(DA, 2008; Escobillo and Ampode, 2020). Difference (HSD) Test using Statistical Package of
Social Science software of version 17.0. A p<0.05 was
Data gathered considered significant.
The following experimental parameters were
collected to assess the growth performance of Results and discussion
broilers. Bi-weekly final weight
Feeding broilers with different levels of tamarind leaf
1. Final Body Weight (g) - refers to the weight of the birds at meal showed no significant difference in broilers'
42 days weight at the 15-28 days feeding trial (Table 4).
However, the inclusion of tamarind leaf meal showed
2. Body Weight Gain (g) - measures the body weight gain of
a significant effect (p<0.05) on the final weight of
experimental birds and computed using this formula
broiler chickens at 29-42 days.
BWG = Final weight – Initial weight

3. Average Daily Gain (g) - measures the daily gain in The results revealed that T1 fed with commercial
weight, and this was ration had the highest final weight with 1356.73
computed using the formula: grams. Although there's a significant effect of feeding
tamarind leaf meal, the data showed that T1 is still
comparable to T2, T3, and T4, while T5 got the lowest
final weight. The present study's result contradicts the
4. Voluntary Feed Intake (g) – measures the total weekly findings of Jamroz et al. (2009), who reported that
feed consumption of the birds and computed using this
animal diets containing a high amount of tannin have
formula:
no significant effect on the broilers' final weight. The
VFI (g) = Total Feed Given – Feed Refused
broiler chickens' slightly decreasing final weight

5. Feed Conversion Ratio might be due to the fiber and possible tannin content
Feed Conversion Ratio = Total Feed Intake (g) in the tamarind leaf meal. The excess tannin caused
Total Weight Gain (g)
improper digestion of some minerals required for
6. Dressing Percentage (%) metabolism, eventually decreasing the growth rate
(Alkasanand Al-Shukri, 2018).

Body weight gain

7. Cell-mediated Immunity – The cell-mediated immunity The study's result revealed no significant difference in
will be determined according to the formula of Fu-Chang et
body weight gain at days 15-28 of the feeding trial
al. (2004) and Haruna and Odunsi (2018) as follows:
(Table 4). However, it was evident that a significant
result was observed on 29-42 days where T1 got the
Spleen Index = Spleen Weight x 100
Body Weight
highest body weight gain and slightly decreased when
birds fed with graded levels of Tamarind leaf meal.
Bursa Index = Bursa of Fabricius Weight x 100
Body Weight Although significant results were observed on days
29-42, birds fed with commercial ration are
8. Return Above Feed and Chick Cost = Gross
comparable in T4 and T5, with 1% and 5% tamarind
Income – (feed cost + treatment cost of tamarind leaf meal +
leaf meal inclusion in the diet.
cost of day-old chick)

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Table 1. Composition and calculated analysis of experimental starter ration for broilers with graded levels of
tamarind leaf meal.
Ingredients TREATMENTS
1 2 3 4 5
Ground Yellow Corn - 54.00 53.00 51.00 50.69
Rice Bran D1 - 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00
Soybean, US - 22.87 23.00 23.00 20.00
Fish meal, 60 % - 6.00 6.00 6.00 7.36
Copra Meal - 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
Tamarind Leaf Meal 0.00 1.00 3.00 5.00
Dicalcium phosphate - 0.81 0.81 0.78 0.66
Limestones - 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.77
Lysine HCL - 0.10 0.20 0.20 0.10
D-L Methionine - 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
L threonine - 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Vit. Premix - 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Salt - 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
Vegetable Oil - 0.85 0.62 0.65 0.82
TOTAL 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Calculated Analysis
Crude Protein - 21.98 21.91 21.85 21.54
Crude Fiber - 4.09 6.14 7.30 4.64
Moisture - 12.62 12.63 12.41 11.91
Ash - 6.58 5.92 8.76 8.25
Metabolizable Energy - 2925.58 2894.48 2864.87 2912.58
Phosphorus - 0.42 0.44 0.48 0.44
Calcium - 0.85 1.03 1.4 0.87
Lysine - 1.24 1.4 1.51 1.26
Methionine - 0.59 0.6 0.63 0.6
Meth+Cyst - 0.74 0.75 0.77 0.79
Threonine - 0.91 0.96 1.05 0.92
Tryptophan - 0.24 0.25 0.25 0.24
T1: Commercial ration; T2: HR + 0% TLM; T3: HR + 1% TLM; T4: HR + 3% TLM; T5: HR + 5% TLM
1Vitamin Mineral Premix: Vitamin A 5,000,000 i.u. Vitamin D3 2,000,000 i.u. Vitamin E 2,000 i.u. Riboflavin 4,350 mg,
Thiamine 1,800 mg, Pyridoxine 50 mg, Niacin 40,150 mg, Calcium Pantothenate 5,500 mg, Biotin 0.1 mg, Folic Acid 90 mg,
Para Amino Acid Benzoic Acid 4,000 mg, Inositol 0.74 mg, Manganese Sulfate 98,000 mg, Ferrous Sulfate 40,000 mg,
Potassium Iodine 1,500 mg, Cobalt Carbonate 800 mg, Copper Sulfate 3,000 mg, Zinc Oxide 40,000 mg, DL- Methionine
23,000 mg, L-Lysine 22,000 mg, Lecithin 20,000 mg, Cod Liver Oil 160,000 mg, Carrier q.s ad.

The present findings confirm the results of Saleh et analysis, T1 is still comparable to T2 (0 % TLM), T3 (1
al. (2012), who reported that birds supplemented % TLM), and T4 (3 % TLM) in the diets. This could be
with an aqueous solution of tamarind pulp due to the amount of crude fiber in the tamarind leaf
significantly increased (p<0.05) the body weight gain meal, which causes improper
of broiler chickens. digestion of some minerals required for metabolism.

The cumulative body weight gain of broiler chickens Bi-weekly voluntary feed intake
from days 15-42 significantly decreased. The broiler The bi-weekly voluntary feed intake of broiler
chickens fed with graded levels of tamarind leaf meals chickens was significantly (p<0.05) affected when
had lower body weight than T1 or birds fed with graded levels of tamarind leaf meal were incorporated
commercial ration. However, based on the statistical into the diets (Table 4).

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Table 2. Composition and calculated analysis of finisher ration for broilers with graded levels of tamarind leaf
meal.
Ingredients TREATMENTS
1 2 3 4 5
Ground Yellow Corn - 55.50 55.50 55.50 54.00
Rice Bran D1 - 11.00 10.00 10.00 9.00
Soybean, US - 20.00 20.00 18.00 18.00
Fish meal, 60 % - 5.50 5.50 7.00 7.00
Copra Meal - 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.00
Tamarind Leaf Meal 0.00 1.00 3.00 5.00
Dicalcium phosphate - 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.81
Limestones - 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.77
Lysine HCL - 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
D-L Methionine - 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
L threonine - 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Vit. Premix - 0.87 0.87 0.87 0.87
Salt - 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
Vegetable Oil - 0.85 0.85 0.35 0.85
TOTAL 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Calculated Analysis
Crude Protein - 19.31 19.94 19.11 19.78
Crude Fiber - 3.53 4.60 12.38 9.24
Moisture - 12.02 11.90 12.58 12.05
Ash - 8.34 7.88 7.49 7.12
Metabolizable Energy - 2944.83 2947.95 2936.29 2955.43
Phosphorus - 0.41 0.41 0.45 0.45
Calcium - 0.82 0.82 0.88 0.88
Lysine - 1.16 1.15 1.18 1.19
Methionine - 0.57 0.57 0.58 0.58
Meth+Cyst - 0.71 0.71 0.74 0.76
Threonine - 0.86 0.86 0.87 0.88
Tryptophan - 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23
T1: Commercial ration; T2: HR + 0% TLM; T3: HR + 1% TLM; T4: HR + 3% TLM; T5: HR + 5% TLM
1Vitamin Mineral Premix: Vitamin A 5,000,000 i.u. Vitamin D3 2,000,000 i.u. Vitamin E 2,000 i.u. Riboflavin 4,350 mg,

Thiamine 1,800 mg, Pyridoxine 50 mg, Niacin 40,150 mg, Calcium Pantothenate 5,500 mg, Biotin 0.1 mg, Folic Acid 90 mg,
Para Amino Acid Benzoic Acid 4,000 mg, Inositol 074 mg, Manganese Sulfate 98,000 mg, Ferrous Sulfate 40,000 mg,
Potassium Iodine 1,500 mg, Cobalt Carbonate 800 mg, Copper Sulfate 3,000 mg, Zinc Oxide 40,000 mg, DL- Methionine
23,000 mg, L-Lysine 22,000 mg, Lecithin 20,000 mg, Cod Liver Oil 160,000 mg, Carrier q.s ad.

The cumulative voluntary feed intake of birds from However, their findings are contrary to Olumo (1995),
days 15-42 revealed that experimental birds fed with who reported that broiler chickens' feed intake
commercial ration had the highest feed intake with significantly increased when tamarind pulp extract
2254.00 grams, but still comparable to T2, T4, and T5 was supplemented. The present study revealed that
with 2042.60 grams, 2136.27 grams, 2121.80 grams, the inclusion of tamarind leaf meal resulted in slightly
respectively. However, the lowest feed intake was decreasing feed intakes. Although the feed intake of
observed in T3 with 1977.27 grams. The results of the broiler chicken decreased, the final weight and body
study are contrary to the findings of Aengwanich et al. weight gain were not negatively affected as data
(2009), who reported that feed intake of broiler revealed that birds fed with graded levels of tamarind
chickens fed with tamarind leaf meal had no leaf meal are statistically comparable to the birds fed
significant effect (p>0.05) on the feed intakes. with commercial ration.

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Table 3. Proximate analysis of tamarind leaf meal.

NUTRIENT OP (%)
Dry Matter 90.37
Moisture 9.63
Crude Protein 11.18
Crude Fiber 20.18
Ash 11.09
Analyzed following the methods described by the AOAC (2016).

This might be due to the insufficient adaptation with et al., 2016), which aid improve digestion and
the supplied feed additives or the nutrients like amino metabolism activities, thus, meeting the nutrient
acids and crude fiber present in tamarind leaf meals. requirements at lower intakes. On the other hand, the
Although crude fiber provides no nutrients or energy, increase of feed intakes of broiler chickens
it is a good source of dietary fiber. This fiber content supplemented with tamarind pulp extract may be due
may aid in maintaining beneficial effects on intestine to the amount of sugar in tamarind pulp that might
and colon physiology (McPherson, 1982; and Hassan help meet the feed intake energy requirements.

Table 4. The effects of tamarind leaf meal on the growth performance of broiler chickens.
Parameters Days
15-28 29-42 15-42
Bi-weekly final weight, grams
T1-Control 628.40 1356.73a 1356.73a
T2-0% TLM 669.13 1301.80ab 1301.80ab
T3-1% TLM 688.33 1304.80ab 1304.80ab
T4-3% TLM 639.00 1320.20ab 1320.20ab
T5-5%TLM 602.87 1289.93b 1289.93b
P value 0.085ns 0.043* 0.043*
CV (%) 5.40 8.84 1.77

Bi-weekly body weight gain, grams

T1-Control 416.00 728.33a 1144.33a
T2-0% TLM 458.40 632.67b 1091.07ab
T3-1% TLM 476.33 616.47b 1092.80ab
T4-3% TLM 424.73 628.20ab 1105.93ab
T5-5%TLM 390.87 687.07ab 1077.93b
P value 0.087ns 0.015* 0.032*
CV (%) 8.19 25.38 1.97

Average Daily Gain, grams

T1-Control 29.71 52.02a 81.74a
T2-0% TLM 32.74 45.20b 77.93ab
T3-1% TLM 34.02 44.03b 78.06ab
T4-3% TLM 30.34 48.66ab 79.00ab
T5-5%TLM 27.92 49.08ab 77.00b
P value 0.087ns 0.015* 0.032*
CV (%) 8.19 25.38 1.97

Voluntary feed intake. grams

T1-Control 930.93a 1323.07a 2254.00a
T2-0% TLM 857.80b 1184.80ab 2042.60ab
T3-1% TLM 853.33b 1097.20b 1977.27b
T4-3% TLM 872.27ab 1264.00ab 2136.27ab
T5-5%TLM 870.93ab 1250.87ab 2121.80ab
P value 0.027* 0.043* 0.011*
CV (%) 2.96 34.44 3.54

Feed Conversion Ratio

T1-Control 1.37 1.83 1.97
T2-0% TLM 1.87 1.87 1.87
T3-1% TLM 1.80 1.83 1.81
T4-3% TLM 2.05 1.86 1.93
T5-5%TLM 2.25 1.82 1.97
P value 0.066ns 0.985ns 0.070ns
CV (%) 11.49 7.10 3.70
TLM = Tamarind leaf meal; CV = Coefficient of Variance;
* =significant at (p<0.05), means having a similar superscript is not significantly different using HSD test.
ns =not significant at (p>0.05).

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Table 5. Mean slaughter weight, dressed weight, and dressing percentage (%) of broilers fed with graded levels
of tamarind leaf meal.
Parameters TREATMENT Total Mean CV (%) P value
1 2 3 4 5
Slaughter wt., g 1362.07a 1241.8bc 1211.47c 1306.87ab 1223.27c 6345.48 1269.10 0.00 2.07**
Dressed wt., g 950.24a 844.47ab 839.91b 913.59ab 846.71ab 4394.92 878.98 0.021 4.54*
Dressing % 69.74 68 69.33 69.92 69.25 346.24 69.25 0.927 1.44ns
T1: Commercial ration; T2: HR + 0% TLM; T3: HR + 1% TLM; T4: HR + 3% TLM; T5: HR + 5% TLM
ns =not significant at (p>0.05).
*=significant at (p<0.05), means having a similar superscript is not significantly different using the HSD test.
**=significant at (p<0.01), means having a similar superscript is not significantly different using the HSD test.

Bi-weekly feed conversion ratio conversion ratio with 1.81 kilograms, followed by T2,
The feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens had no T4, T1, and T5 with 1.87, 1.93, 1.97 and 1.97 in
significant effect (p>0.05) when the Tamarind leaf kilograms. These findings are contrary to Sinde et al.
meal was incorporated into the diet (Table 4). The (2015), who reported that supplementation of
feed conversion ratio measures the efficiency with tamarind pulp's aqueous solution significantly
which the bodies of livestock convert animal feed into improved the feed conversion ratio of broiler
the desired output, which means that the lower the chickens. A significant result of the feed conversion
value, the more efficient the birds are in converting ratio could be due to the probiotics or the live
feed to live weight (Dumaup and Ampode, 2020). The microorganisms present in the aqueous solution of
present study's revealed that from days 15-42, birds in tamarind pulp that might aid improved protein
T3 fed with 1% tamarind leaf meal had the lowest feed digestion.

Table 6. Mean of cell-mediated immunity of broilers fed with graded levels of tamarind leaf meal.
Parameters TREATMENT CV (%) P value
1 2 3 4 5
Bursa weight, g 0.80a 0.66abc 0.62bc 0.75ab 0.54c 9.37 0.005**
Bursa index (%) 0.06a 0.06a 0.05ab 0.06a 0.04b 0.00 0.034*
Spleen weight, g 6.83a 4.32b 4.99b 5.35ab 3.69b 12.71 0.001**
Spleen index (%) 0.50a 0.35b 0.41ab 0.41ab 0.30b 14.04 0.008**
T1: Commercial ration; T2: HR + 0% TLM; T3: HR + 1% TLM; T4: HR + 3% TLM; T5: HR + 5% TLM
*=significant at (p<0.05), means having a similar superscript is not significantly different using the HSD test.
**=significant at (p<0.01), means having a similar superscript is not significantly different using the HSD test.

Slaughter weight, dressed weight, and dressing followed by T4, T5, T2 with 913.59 grams, 846.41
percentage grams, 844.47 grams, and the lowest was T3 with
The average slaughter weight, dressed weight, and 839.91 grams.
dressing percentage of broiler chickens fed with
graded levels of tamarind leaf meal are presented in The dressing percentage, or carcass yield as it is
Table 5. A significant effect (p<0.05) was observed in sometimes referred to, is the proportion of ending live
the slaughter weight. The T1 got the highest weight weight yielded after animals have been eviscerated. In
with 1362.07 grams, followed by T4, T2, T5 with this study, the dressing percentage (%) of the broiler
1306.87 grams, 1241.80 grams, 1223.27 grams, and chicken fed with graded levels of tamarind leaf meal
the lowest was T3 with 1211.47 grams. Likewise, T1 got had no significant (p>0.05) difference from 15 to 42
the highest dressed weight with 950.24 grams, days. In the dressing percentage (%), T4 got the

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highest weight with 69.92 grams, followed by T1, T3, Saleh et al. (2012) and Chong et al. (2013), who
T5 with 69.74 grams, 69.33 grams, 69.25 grams, and reported no significant difference in dressing
the lowest was observed in T2 with 68.00 grams. The percentage of the broiler chicken fed with tamarind
result of the present study confirms the findings of leaf powder.

Table 7. Return above feed and chick cost of broiler chickens fed with graded levels of tamarind leaf meal#.
PARTICULARS TREATMENTS
1 2 3 4 5
Final live weight, kg 1356.73 1241.80 1211.47 1320.87 1223.27
Price/kg live weight (Php) 130.00 130.00 130.00 130.00 130.00
Gross return/head (Php) 176.37 161.43 157.49 171.71 159.03
Cost of DOC/head (Php) 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00
Feed Consumption (kg/head)
a. CBM (kg) 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28
b. Starter (kg) 0.93 0.85 0.85 0.87 0.87
c. Finisher (kg) 1.32 1.18 1.10 1.20 1.25
Price/kg of Feed (kg)
a. CBM (kg) 36.00 36.00 36.00 36.00 36.00
b. Starter (kg) 33.22 25.52 22.60 22.29 21.00
c. Finisher (kg) 36.00 24.00 24.84 24.51 24.56
Total Feed Cost (Php)
a. CBM (kg) 10.08 10.08 10.08 10.08 10.08
b. Starter (kg) 30.89 21.69 19.21 19.39 18.27
c. Finisher (kg) 47.52 28.32 27.32 29.41 30.70
Total Cost (Php) 118.49 90.09 86.61 88.88 89.05
RAFCC* 57.88 71.34 70.88 82.83 69.98
T1: Commercial ration; T2: HR + 0% TLM; T3: HR + 1% TLM; T4: HR + 3% TLM; T5: HR + 5% TLM
#All costs were shown in PhP (Philippine peso); 1 USD = 50.30 PhP
* RAFCC: Return above feed and chick cost.

Cell-mediated immunity analysis revealed that experimental birds fed with

The spleen weight, bursa weight, bursa, and spleen commercial ration are comparable to the birds fed
indices showed significant differences (p<0.05) with tamarind leaf meal levels. This implies that the
among treatment means (Table 6). In avian species, bigger the immunity index, the stronger the broiler
adaptive immunity encompasses both humoral and chickens' immune response (Fu Chang et al., 2004;
cell-mediated immune responses. The humoral or Latif et al., 2014; Dumaup and Ampode, 2020). Thus,
antibody-mediated immune responses effectively the result of the study emphasized that the inclusion
combat extracellular antigens. On the other hand, of tamarind leaf meal in broiler diets could help boost
cell-mediated immunity is focused on eliminating the cell-mediated immunity of broiler chickens.
intracellular antigens that have entered cells via the
endocytic pathway or that have been created within Return above feed and chick cost
the cell, such as viral proteins and proteins emerging The return above feed and chick cost (RAFCC) refers
from neoplastic cell transformation (Erf, 2004; Eladia to the amount gained from the study's treatment
and Ampode, 2021). In the present study, it is evident (Table 7). It demonstrates whether the given
in the numerical values that birds in T1 fed with treatment positively or negatively impacted profit
commercial ration had higher spleen weight, bursa gaining (Catolico and Ampode, 2019). Among the five
weight, bursa, and spleen indices. However, statistical dietary treatments, T4 with 3% TLM had the highest

160 Minanga and Ampode

 Int. J. Biosci. 2021

return of Php 82.83, followed by T2 with Php 71.34; T3 feeding water hyacinth meal (WHM) on performance,
with Php 70.88; T5 with Php 69.98 and T1 got the GIT morphological and the bacterial community in
lowest return above feed and chick cost with Php the ileum of broiler chickens. Agricultural and
57.88. Veterinary Sciences 8, 1-22.
https://tinyurl.com/yx8rf27l
Conclusion
The inclusion of tamarind leaf meal in broilers diet Ampode KM, Galgo SJ, Lapurga IG. 2020. Pinto
had a significant effect on the growth performance, peanut Meal: It's Potential as Dietary Supplement for
cell-mediated immunity, and dressed weight. Philippine Mallard Ducks. International Journal of
Moreover, incorporating 3% tamarind leaf meal in the Biosciences 16(5), 319–326.
diet of broiler chickens obtained higher profit. http://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/16.5.319-326
However, further study on tamarind leaf meal is
recommended for a long duration of the research in AOAC. 2016. Official Methods of Analysis of the
other species of monogastric and ruminant animals, Association of the Official Analytical Chemists. 20th
and a digestibility study is also recommended to ed. Washington, D.C., USA.
assess the nutrient flow and retention directly from
digestive sites. Catolico JM, Ampode KM. 2019. Performance of
Broilers Fed with Homemade Ration at Varying
Acknowledgement Levels of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Kernel
The authors extend their heartfelt appreciation to Meal as Substitute to Copra Meal. p. 519-524.
Engr. Nathaniel D. Naanep and Dr. Ne B. Velasco for International Journal of Research and Publications 9
their valuable insights during the conduct of the (11), 519-524.
study. Also, sincere gratitude is extended to Ms. Julie http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.9.11.2019.p9570
Mie Y. Belongan and the Office of the regional Animal
and Feed Analysis Laboratory of the Department of Chong URW, Abdul-Rahman PS, Abdul-Aziz
Agriculture Region XII, Cotabato City, for the A, Hashim OH, MatJunit S. 2013. Effects of
technical assistance and proximate laboratory Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract on abundance
services. of HepG2 cell lysate proteins and their possible
consequential impact on metabolism and
Author’s contribution inflammation. BioMed Research International 2013,
Both authors contributed equally as co-first authors 1-9.
of this manuscript. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/459017

Conflict of interest DA. 2008. Rules and Regulations on Humane

The authors declared no conflict of interest. Handling in the Slaughter of Animals for Food.
Department of Agriculture AO No. 18.
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