EFFECT OF SCENT LEAF (Ocimum gratissimum) ADMINISTRATION ON GROWTII PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS OF BROILER CHICKS
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.6634Mots-clés :
body weight, broiler chicks, carcass weight, feed conversion ratio, scent leafRésumé
This study aimed at investigating the effect of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) administration on growth performance and carcass traits of broiler chicks. Ninety (90) seven days old broiler chicks used for the study were assigned in a completely randomized desig11 (CRD) to three treatment groups identified as Tl, T2 and T3 (0ml, 50ml, and 100ml aqueous extract of scent leaf(SL)IL of drinking water, respectively). The treatment was administered/or 21 consecutive days. Data were obtained on body weight and feed intake. Different carcass traits were evaluated by sacrificing three birds per treatment. The final bodyweight, weekly body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by SL administration. Chicks on T3 were 96.69g heavier than those in the control group and had a better feed conversion ratio (1.67) compared to the control (1.92). Carcass weight and live weight increased significantly (p<0.05) in response to treatment with SL. Abdominal fat significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increase in SL in the drinking water. It could be concluded that, aqueous extracts of scent leaf at 100ml/L of drinking water could be used to improve growth performance and carcass traits of starter broiler chicks