PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES INFLUENCE ON CARCASS AND INTERNAL ORGAN OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of phytogenic feed additives of cinnamon, ginger root and Moringa leaf meal on the carcass and internal organs of broiler chickens. A basal diet divided into 4 portions, designated : diet 1 (the control), diets 2, 3 and 4 supplemented with 0.2% cinnamon, 0.2% ginger root and 0.2% Moringa leaf meal, respectively. A total number of one hundred and twelve (112) day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets (28birds/diet; 7birds per replicate) using a Completely Randomized Design. At the end of the 56th day. The selected slaughtered experimental birds were defeathered, dressed and weighed. Thereafter the carcass and the internal organs were expressed as a percentage of a live-weight. The live weight, slaughtered weight,and eviscerated weight of birds fed diet 4 (Moringa leaf meal) were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to the control diet, cinnamon and ginger root. The internal organs were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the phytogenic supplements . The 0.2% Moringa leaf meal dietary supplement improved the liveweight, slaughtered weight, dressed weight and eviscerated weight of the broiler chickens. In this study 0.2% Moringa leaf meal is hereby recommended.