Growth performance and carcass traits of broilers fed with <i>Allium sativum</i> powders supplemented finisher diets

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary Allium sativum powder (ASP) on growth performance, haematology, carcass quality, serum biochemistry, and lipid profile of broilers. Before use, the ASP was phytochemically analyzed. 108 four-week old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments (A, B, C and D) with three replicates of nine birds. They were fed for four weeks with broiler finisher diet supplemented with ASP at 0.00 (A, control), 20.00 (B), 30.00 (C) and (D) 40.00 g/kg. Weekly feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, haematology, serum biochemistry and lipid profile were determined. At week four, two birds from each replicate were randomly selected, humanely sacrificed and used to determine carcass quality. Ethanolic extract of ASP contained saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenoids. ASP supplemented groups consumed significantly more (p<0.05) feed on week three, had higher final body weight and recorded lower mortality. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in birds fed 20 g/kg/d than other ASP fed birds. The consumption of ASP had no significant effect (p>05) on cholesterol; high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and organ weights of broilers. White blood cell count was significantly higher (p<0.05) in birds fed 20.00 and 40.00 g/kg ASP. Red blood cell, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein and albumin contents of the broilers were increased by the additive.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Broilers, Carcass traits, Garlic, Lipid profile