Abstract:
Phytogenic feed additives such as herbs and spices can be used as feed additives and viable alternatives to antibiotics in chicken production. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds powder on growth performance, carcass Characteristics and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chicks. A total of 108-day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were randomly divided into four ( 27 birds per treatment). Each treatment was randomly divided into three replicates (9 chicks each). The treatments were randomly allocated to one of the four experimental dietary treatments being, basal diet (controll, A), basal diet with antibiotic in drinking water (Oxytetracycline HCL 200mg, 1g/2L, B), basal diet supplemented with 0.5% of grounded C. sativum seed C) or basal diet supplemented with 1% of C. sativum D). The results showed that the average body weight gain (g/bird) was significantly (P<0.05) higher for the treatment received 1% C. sativum compared to the re treatment received antibiotics during the finishing and entire experimental period but not during the starter period. Feed intake (g/bird) was significantly (P<0.05) higher for the treatment received the control diet and the that fed 1% C. sativum compared to other. Feed conversion ratio (g feed/g gain), carcass traits and internal organ of broilers were not affected by dietary treatment. Serum albumin concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) for the group fed 1% C. sativum seed powder compare to those fed control diet. However, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and total protein concentrations were not affected by dietary treatments. It was concluded that using coriander seeds powder in broiler diets as alternative to antibiotics resulted in better body weight gain without any adverse effect
