Effect of diet supplemented with two sources of antioxidants as feed additives on growth indices and internal organs of broiler-chicken

Abstract

Growth indices and the internal organs of 125 broilers (four weeks of age) were assessed in order to study the effect of Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) and Vitamin C as feed additives in their diet. Ginger, Black pepper and Vitamin C powder were administered at the level of 50g/10kg of feed. The broilers were randomly allotted to five treatments: T1 (no antioxidant), T2 (0.5% ginger powder), T3 (0.5% black pepper powder), T4 (0.25% ginger + 0.25% black pepper), T5 (0.5% Vitamin C) in a completely randomized design. The results Obtained showed that the Average weight gain (g) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 (33.31) compared to the other treatment groups. The Wing length (cm) of T1 (9.58), T3 (10.21) and T5 (9.47) were not significantly different from each other but was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T2 (8.68) and T5 (7.16). The breast width (cm), chest length (cm), total feed intake(g), average daily feed intake (g) and feed conversion ratio (g) of the broiler birds were not influenced by the dietary antioxidant feed additives. The weights (g) of the Kidney, Liver, Gizzard, Heart, and Spleen in all treatment groups were not significantly different from each other. Effect on kidney function test reveals the results of potassium (Mmol/L) to be significantly (P<0.05) higher (4.27) in T1 compared to the other treatment groups, with the lowest value of potassium content in T5 (2.70). Creatinine (mg/dL) content varied among treatment groups with T4 significantly (P<0.05) higher (0.32) compared to other treatment groups. Liver function test showed AST (IU/L) content in T4 (190.33) to be significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to other treatment groups. ALP (IU/L) was lowest in T1 (127.67) and T5 (320.00) was significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to other treatment groups. Ginger supplemented diet increased feed intake and Vitamin C supplemented diet yielded the best feed conversion ratio.