The effect of fresh and hay alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation on hybrid duck performance

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fresh and hay alfalfa supplementation in diets on hybrid duck performance. In total 75 hybrid ducks with three treatments and five replications were used in this study. Each replication consisted of five ducks. The feeds were used in the trial consisted of P0 = Basal diets, P1 = Basal diets + 6 % fresh alfalfa supplementation (based on dry matter) and P2 = Basal diets + 6 % alfalfa hay supplementation (based on the dry matter). Water was given ad libitum. Parameters observed were feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. This study was arranged with Completely Randomized Design. Data was analyzed with ANOVA (α=5%) using the SPSS version 22 continued with Duncan’s new Multiple Range Test if significant results were found. The results showed that basal diets and fresh alfalfa supplementation significantly affected (P<0.05) to feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Supplementation of 6 % alfalfa fresh resulted the highest body weight gain, followed by control (basal diet) and alfalfa hay. The conclusion from this study was supplementation of 6% alfalfa fresh give a better performance (body weight gain and consumption) than alfalfa hay supplementation, but not for FCR.