Meta Analysis of Growth Performance of Broilers in Response to Dietary Cassava Leaf Meal Intervention

The use of Cassava Leaf Meal (CLM) in broiler diets has gained attention due to its high crude protein content (24-35%) and other valuable nutrients. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the impact of diets with and without CLM on broiler growth performance. Search performed on four bibliographic databases produced 584 articles of which 11 were used for meta-analysis. A Random-Effects Model (REM) was employed, with results expressed as Mean Difference (MD). Data was pooled in Open OpenMEE software and results suggested that CLM significantly decreased Feed Intake (FI) (p<0.001) and Average Daily Gain (ADG) in comparison with control treatments (MD = 0.45 g/bird/day (d), p<0.001 and MD = 0.83 g/bird/d, respectively). Results also indicated that CLM increased Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) compared with the control treatment (MD = 0.27, p<0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that Cobb broilers utilized CLM-based diets better than Anak broilers. Feeding duration also influenced the analysed outcomes: adverse impacts on feed intake and FCR were more pronounced during the standard 1-42-day growth phase than the extended 1- 56-day phase. Dose-response evaluation indicated differences in growth parameters across low, moderate, and high CLM inclusion, revealing that low CLM levels are more effective is improving broiler growth performance. Meta-regression suggested that inclusion level and broiler strain were predictors of growth performance in broilers offered CLM-based diets. In conclusion, inclusion of CLM in broiler nutrition at ≤5% enhanced growth performance. It is recommended that the findings of this study serve as a decision-support system for safe and effective use of CLM in broiler nutrition.