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

Abstract

This research was aimed to determine the effect of alfalfa supplementation in the diets on hybrid duck performance. Ninety male hybrid ducks were distributed into 3 treatments and 5 replications. Each replicate consists of 6 ducks. Three types of diet were used in the study namely T0 = Basal diet 0% alfalfa supplementation, T1 = Basal diet + 3% alfalfa supplementation and T2 = Basal diet + 6% alfalfa supplementation. The alfalfa supplementation was calculated based on dry matter and given to duck in fresh condition. Water was given ad libitum. Parameters observed were feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed with Duncan's New Multiple Range Test. Results showed that 3% alfalfa supplementation significantly affected (P<0.05) to feed intake and body weight gain in weeks 2 and 3 but not 6% supplementation. The conclusion from this study is that 3% alfalfa supplementation able to increase feed intake and body weight gain of hybrid ducks.