Evaluation of Illinois Bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis) for Broiler Chicks

Illinois bundleflower (IBF; Desmanthus illinoensis) is a warm-season perennial legume native to the central plains of the United States and has potential as both a forage and grain crop. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of IBF seeds as a feed ingredient in broiler starter diets. One-day-old broiler chicks were fed 1 of 4 isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental diets containing 0, 5, 10, or 15% IBF seed. Illinois Bundleflower seed is a high-protein (31.5% CP) feed ingredient with a Lys:Met similar to that of soybean meal. The TME content of IBF seed depends on the form in which it is fed. When fed ground, the TME_n content was determined to be 1,974 kcal/kg. When fed whole, with supplemental grit, the TME_n content was 1,067 kcal/kg. Inclusion of IBF seed in broiler starter diets had adverse affects on both feed consumption and BW gain, even at a 5% inclusion level. Further studies are required to determine whether IBF seed could be included in diets for older broiler chicks or laying hens.