EFFECT OF SOME DIETARY ADDITIVES ON PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS UNDER HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of ginger, peppermint powder to broiler chicks' diets either singularly or in combinations and vitamin C on performance in broiler chicks under conditions of heat. A total of 320 d-old broiler chicks (Cobb-500) with an average body weight of 48.0±2g were distributed by weight to eight equal groups. The first group (T1) was fed on a basal diet. Ginger roots powder was added with was basal diet at 0.25% and 0.5% (T2 and T3 groups), peppermint leaves powder was added with basal diet at 0.25% (T4) and 0.5% (T5), both ginger and peppermint at levels of 0.125% (T6) and 0.25% (T7) groups, respectively, and 300 mg/kg diet vitamin C with basal diet (T8) group. Results showed that live body weight, body weight gain were significantly affected among experimental groups compared to the control group. The highest live body weight and body weight gain were recorded in group supplemented T7, and lowest values were found in control group. Feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved in all treatment groups compared with control group. Carcass traits were high significantly in the percentages of the body weight, liver, spleen, heart and lowest abdominal fat in all the treated groups. Different dietary supplementations were significantly increased in serum total protein, albumin, and globulin. As well A/G ratio. The highest level of total protein was noted in groups T2, T3 and T5 while the lowest value was reputed for control one. Serum tri-glycerides, cholesterols and low density lipo-proteins (LDL) levels were significantly decreased in experimental groups compared to control group. HDL or LDL were significantly difference between all treatments under the condition of this study. The highest levels of HDL recoded by T2 but, the lowest level of LDL reported by T5.