LAUSR

A study was carried out to assess phytobiotic effect of neem leaf on carcass quality, chemical composition, refrigeration and cooking weight losses of the breast meat of broiler chicken fed varying inclusion levels of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal (NLM) at 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% inclusion levels to replace wheat offal w/w. One hundred and ninety-two birds were divided into four treatments consisting of three replicates and each replicate consisting of 18 birds. The birds were fed ad libitum for 8 weeks. The data obtained were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance at 95% significant level. The result on carcass weight of broiler chicken fed varying level of neem leaf meal showed no significant (P>0.05) differences in all the parameters. The refrigeration and cooking weight losses, sensory analysis (colour, juiciness, meat flavour, tenderness, flavour, saltiness, overall flavour and overall acceptability) were not influenced by NLM. Moisture and ash contents were the parameters that were significantly (p<0.05) influenced in the meat proximate composition. Ash content increased with increased level of NLM. It was concluded that neem leaf meal up to 1.5% can be included in the diet of broiler chickens as a replacement for wheat offal competed with antibiotics to produce similar results on the carcass and meat quality.