Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

A feeding trial was carried out in Instructional Poultry Farm (IPF), Nagla, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, during May, 2025 to June, 2025 (42 days), to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of banana (Musa paradisiaca) leaf powder on growth performance, nutrient utilization and feed cost economics of broiler chicken. In the feeding trial, a total of 120 day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed in a Completely Randomized Design into five treatment groups, with 24 chicks per treatment and three replicates of eight chicks each. T1 group served as control in which standard diet without any supplementation was fed, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 treatment groups were incorporated with 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% banana leaf powder, respectively. Body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and performance index were recorded weekly. Metabolism trial was conducted to assess nutrient utilization. Feed cost economics were also calculated. Dietary supplementation of banana leaf powder significantly (P < .05) influenced growth performance, nutrient utilization and economics of broiler chickens. The highest body weight gain was recorded in T₃, followed by T₄ and T₂, while the lowest gain was observed in T₅, with the control group showing intermediate values. Feed intake, FCR and performance index were significantly improved in T₃, indicating superior feed efficiency, whereas T₅ showed the poorest performance. Nutrient utilization revealed improved organic matter and crude protein utilization at 3% banana leaf powder inclusion (T₃), while dry matter and ether extract utilization were not affected. Feed cost per kg body weight gain significantly (P < .05) reduced in T₃ group. The present study concludes that dietary inclusion of banana (Musa paradisiaca) leaf powder at 3 percent improved growth performance, nutrient utilization and reduced feed cost per unit body weight gain in broiler chickens.