EFFECT OF FEEDING BROILER CHICKS ON DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FENUGREEK SEEDS ON THE PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

A total of hundred and twelve day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used to investigate the effect of graded levels (0, 1, 2 and 3%) of fenugreek seed powder on the performance, carcass characteristics and some blood serum attributes of broiler chicks. Chicks were randomly distributed in a complete randomized design into four groups (A, B, C and D) each group having four replicates with seven chicks per each. Chicks in group A fed control diet, group B fed on diet containing 1% Fenugreek seed powder (FSP), group C fed on diet supplemented with 2% FSP and group D fed on diet supplemented with 3% FSP. The experimental diets were formulated to satisfy the nutritional requirements of growing broiler chicks according to NRC (1994) recommendations. The results obtained revealed that chicks fed on 1% FSP recorded significantly (P< 0.05) the heaviest body weight compared to all tested groups, while those fed on control diet recorded significantly the lowest body weight value. There were no significant differences in body weight gain among groups fed on FSP, but they were recorded significantly high body weight gain compared to control groups. Chicks fed on diets supplemented with FSP consumed significantly more feed and recorded the best conversion ratio (FRC) value compared to untreated group. Result also indicated no significant affect on the health of the experimental chicks due to the treatments. The addition of FSP significantly affects on the dressing percentage, no significant affects on the carcass characteristics and the value of subjective meat quality. Supplementation of FSP on the broiler diets significantly decreased serum cholesterol, total protein, albumin and calcium. It can be concluded that supplementation of FSP to broiler diets showed a great role in improving growth performance, carcass characteristics and reduction in serum cholesterol. Economically chicks fed on diets supplemented with FSP recorded the highest profit.