Influence of Diets Supplemented with Garlic (Allium sativum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the Growth Performance and Egg Qualities of Egg-Type Chickens

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of feeding layer diets supplemented with a mixture of garlic and ginger on performance and egg qualities of egg-type chickens. 216 ISA Brown pullets were randomized to 6 dietary groups of 27 birds per treatment. They were fed basal diet supplemented with no additive (T1), 2.50 g/kg Embaceryl® (T2), mixture of garlic and ginger (GGP) at 5.00 (T3), 7.50 (T4), 10.00 (T5), and 12.50 g/kg (T6) for a period of 14 weeks. Growth performance and egg quality were assessed. Data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC GLM of SAS (2007).Results showed that birds fed diets containing GGP resulted in higher live weight and body gain at 7.50 g/kg, increased egg weight at 10.0 g/kg GGP, and improved feed conversion efficiency at 7.50 g/kg and above. Dietary inclusion of GGP had a significant effect on egg qualities parameters investigated, except shape index. Significant lowest yolk weight, as well as highest albumen height and Haugh Unit (HU) values were observed in birds fed 12.5 g/kg GGP. The study concluded that dietary inclusion of ginger and garlic mixture (GGP) above 5.00 g/kg improved feed efficiency, enhanced production performance and egg qualities of egg-type chickens.