Some Effects of Feeding Faba Bean (Vicia faba) to Broilers and Layers

Broilers and laying chickens were challenged with faba bean (Viciafaba) at 0,15,25 and 35% levels in their diets in two experiments. In experiment-1, with broiler chicks, feed intake increased significantly (P<0.05) but other production parameters remained unaffected. Mortality (5.0%) was observed in all treatments including control. Gross and histopatbological examinations did not reveal any abnormality. In experiment-II, within two weeks of feeding of faba bean rations, symptoms of acute favism developed. The birds died within 24-48 h. after development of the symptoms of haemorrhagk patches in the musculature (i.e. in legs, brisket region) and in subscutaneous tissues. During 65 d of feeding the mortality rates in faba bean fed groups were significantly higher (P<0.05) than in control and it was linear dose response. On an average, 21.2 % birds of the test groups were affected. However % hen day egg production, feed intake egg weight and feed intake kg/kg egg mass of the faba bean groups, irrespective of faba bean level was unaffected. Lower level of faba bean in layers ration will initiate favism and the birds can be selected for further breeding. In 2 to 3 generations of breeding the progenies are expected to be deficient in glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase