Einsatz von Luzernetrockenblatt in der ökologischen Broilermast

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing alfalfa leaf content on broiler performance. The impact of drying temperature on the nutritional value of alfalfa leaf meal and thereby on broiler performance was studied using alfalfa meal dried at either low (AL IT) or high temperatures (AL). Six hundred male Hubbard Ja- 757 broilers were divided into five groups (Control (C), AL 2, AL 3, AL 4, AL IT 5). Alfalfa leaf content was increased in each of the three fattening phases by 5% (C: 0%-0%-0%; AL 2: 0%-5%-10%; AL 3: 5%-10%-15%; AL 4: 10%-15%-20%; AL IT 5: 10%-15%-20%). Animals in group C had the highest final body weights. Groups AL 3, AL 4 and AL IT 5 had the lowest body weights at the end of the experiment. Especially the early introduction of alfalfa leaves (5% in phase 1) and high alfalfa leaf content (15-20%) significantly decreased performance, which was probably caused by antinutritive substances (saponins).