Effect of phytogenic herbal supplement on growth, nutrient digestibility and productive efficiency of broilers

Abstract

The study assessed effects of a phytogenic herbal supplement (PHS) on growth, nutrient digestibility and productive parameters of broilers birds. 240 one-day old (Cobb 400) broiler chicks were assigned 6 dietary treatments (T-1 to T- 6) dividing into 6 homogenous groups with 4 replicates in each. T-1 was fed rations without any supplement, T-2 received rations supplemented with AGP (Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate) @ 0.5g/kg, and T-3, T-4, T-5 and T-6 received rations supplemented with PHS at 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.25%, respectively. The trial was conducted for 42 days. Birds were housed under deep litter system following standard managemental protocols. Deworming and vaccination were done as per schedule. Daily feed intake and weekly body weight were recorded. Productive efficiency was calculated at 42^nd day of age as FCR, PEI and ERS. Findings revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) in feed consumption between treatments during the trial. The body weight gain did not differ significantly (P>0.05) during the first 3 weeks, while was significantly (P<0.01) higher in PHS fed groups during 4^th, 5^th and 6^th weeks. Metabolizability of nutrients differed significantly (P<0.05) among the treatments. The FCR, PEI and ERS were significantly (P<0.05) in PHS fed groups with highest value recorded in T-6. Based on findings, it was concluded that PHS could be recommended at 1.25% level for optimum growth, nutrient digestibility and productive efficiency of broiler birds. Further, the PHS at 1.25% could also be recommended as alternative to antibiotics growth promoter i.e. BMD for broiler birds