Nutritional value of Clitoria ternatea and Brachiaria humidicola for feeding growing chickens

Considering the possibility of partial replacement of imported soybean and maize flours in chicken feed, Clitoria ternatea and Brachiaria humidicola were nutritionally evaluated. Sun-dried leaves were chemically analyzed and a biological assay was performed on chickens that consumed, from day, I after birth, isocaloric and isoproteic diets with 15% Clitoria or Brachiaria added to a comercial chicken starter. Protein content and metabolizable energy of Clitoria were higher and its fiber content lower than Brachiaria. Although Clitoria showed better nutritional potential, results showed that 15% Brachiaria can be substituted in the control diet without affecting feed consumption and efficiency, growth, protein utilization and metabolizable energy, while 15% Clitoria substitution reduced consumption and growth, affecting the studied parameters. Additionally, the incorporation of either leafage was associated to an increaed yellow pigmentation in chicken legs, peaks and grease. The results indicate that Brachiaria can be incorporated as partial substitute in raw materials for comercial chicken feed. In the case of Clitoria lower substitution percentages are recommended.