Effects of Protein Extracted from CO-3 Grass on Weight Gain of Broiler Chicken

This study evaluated the effects of protein extracted from CO-3 grass on broiler growth in addition to comparing the protein extract from Super Napier, Tridax daisy, and Guinea grass types. Protein extraction was conducted using a green biorefinery approach. Kjeldahl method was used to analyze crude protein content in the extract. A feeding trial was conducted where the control group fed with commercial feed and the treatment group additionally supplemented with 10% CO-3 protein extract dissolved in the drinking water to ensure uniform intake. Each group consisted of 4 replications, with 5 chicks per replicate, monitored over 30 days. In the first week, both groups were fed equally. In the treatment group, the daily commercial feed quantity was reduced by 10%, and this reduction was replaced with 10% CO-3 green protein extract to maintain the total daily feed intake for rest of the three weeks. Weight gain was assessed weekly, and the data was analyzed using an independent t-test with SPSS. It was found that CO-3 grass had the highest crude protein content (22.20 ± 1.34%) compared to other tested grasses. Further, the weekly weight gain from the second week onwards not significantly different between control and treatment groups. These findings suggest that protein extract from CO-3 grass may have potential as a supplemental protein source for broiler chickens.