Evaluation of Shamar (Foenicum vulgre) Seeds as Natural Growth Promotion (NGP) in Broiler Chicks

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chicks fed on graded levels of Shamar seed (Foeniculum Vulgare mill) as natural growth promoter alternative to antibiotic. Experimental parameters covered growth performance, carcass dressing percentage, subjective and objective meat quality and economical appraisal. The experimental design used was complete randomize design (CRD). A total number of (84), 8 days-old, 140 gm initial weight unsexed( Abar Acer) strain of broiler chicks randomly divided into four experimental groups with three replicates, each of seven chicks. The first group (A) fed on basal diet without feed additives (control group), the other groups B, C and D were fed basal diet supplemented with different levels of (Foeniculum Vulgare mill) 1,2,3,%. The basal diet was formulated to meet the nutrients requirements of broiler chicks according to (NRC, 1994). Experimental diets fed for 6 weeks. The results indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among all treatment groups in the values of body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass dressing percentages and subjective and objective meat quality attributes. No mortality recorded throughout the experimental period. The economical evaluation showed that levels of dietary (Foeniculum Vulgare mill) were economical feasible compared to control group, but the values of profitability ratio (1, 14) (1.08) of group B, C, were the highest of the tested groups.