BENEFICIAL INFLUENCE OF SINGLE MEDICINAL PLANT SEEDS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS

Abstract

The experiment which lasted for 21 days was carried out to generate information on the uses of black pepper aqueous extract on growth performance of broiler starter chicks using average feed intake, average weight gain, and feed conversion ratio as parameters. Sixty-three one day old Ross 308 Broiler Chicks were randomly allotted to three groups coded as GA, GB, and GC. Each group was further subdivided into three replicates with seven birds per replicate in a complete randomized design. The aqueous extract was obtained by infusion 10g of the test ingredient in one liter of hot boiled water for two hours and the filtered were served to the birds; the birds were fed commercial starter diets throughout the experiment. Birds on GA (Control) received basal diet and water without black pepper those on GB, and GC were given basal diet and water with black pepper at 1.5ml, and 30ml per liter of water respectively. The ANOVA shows GA was statistically significant (P<0.05) from other groups with value 212.40±0.48, but was not statistically different (P>0.05) from GB and GC (208.91±0.45 and 227.70±1.12 respectively). Concerning average feed intake, a non-significant (P>0.05) difference was observed amongst the groups. The results also showed that GC (30ml BPSP /liter of water) had the highest feed intake (422.66+0.72), showed a better feed conversion ratio (1.86+0.02) compared with GB (1.92+0.03) and those in GA (1.94+0.05). From the results of the study, it can be concluded that up to 30ml BPSP/liter of water could be incorporated in the drinking water of broiler chicks without adverse effect on growth performance of the birds. Further research should be conducted to ascertain the optimum dosage of BPSP in broiler drinking water.