GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND GUT RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED THREE SELECTED PHYTOADDITIVES

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance and gut responses of broiler chickens fed Xylopia, Ginger and Garlic feed additives. A total of 180 Ross 308 1-day-old chicks were used. There were four treatments which were replicated three times. Each replicate had fifteen birds. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Control (T1) diets without xylopia, ginger and garlic were formulated while T2, T3, and T4 had 10g of xylopia, ginger and garlic/kg of feed, respectively. The diets and water were offered to the birds ad libitum for 56 days.
The birds were weighed on a weekly basis, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Three birds each per replicate with representative mean live weight were selected for growth performance evaluation and gut responses. Data collected were analysed using SPSS version 21 and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same statistical package. Result obtained showed significant differences in all growth parameters except FCR and average cost per weight gain. The xylopia group had the highest final weight gain and the most economical FCR. There was reduction in the population of microbes in the birds fed the phtyo-additive compared to the control, this confirm the antimicrobial properties of the various additives used. The study revealed that adding 1% xylopia to broiler feed improved the growth performance and significantly reduced the population of gut microbes and therefore recommended for broiler production.