Effect of garlic and copper sulphate supplementation on growth performance of broiler chicks

Abstract EN

The effect of garlic and copper supplementation on growth, feed utilization and carcass composition were evaluated in 360 Arbor Acres, one week old, broiler chicks..

The procedure included six dietary treatments, two levels of garlic (G) at 0 and 2%, and three levels of copper (Cu) at 0, 60 and 120mg/kg (2 X 3 factorial design).

Chicks were randomly divided into six equal groups of 60 chick each.

Feed and water were supplied ad libitum.

Birds (116±1.6g) were housed in wire floor batteries of four replicate pens for each treatment group.

Feed and body weight were recorded weekly, and body gains and feed conversion ratios were calculated.

Blood lipids, body composition and economic efficiency were also considered.

Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion of chicks fed 2% garlic were not significantly influenced during starting period.

Whereas, supplementing Cu at 60 and 120mg Cu./kg levels resulted in significant (P<0.01) increase in body gain and feed conversion values as compared with control (no copper supplementation).

Chicks fed garlic during the starting period compensated the reduction in body gain and had better feed conversion ratio during finishing period.

Feeding CuSO4 showed improvements in body gain and feed conversion ratio during finishing period.

Triglycerides and cholesterol contents were insignificantly decreased for garlic fed groups.

The GPT enzyme content of chicks fed garlic was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of the control group.

Feeding copper (as copper sulfate) at 60mg/kg for broiler chicks resulted in lower levels of plasma triglycerides, while GOT and GPT enzymes activity increased.

Ether extract and ash contents of male chick meat (without skin) were significantly (P<0.01) decreased with supplementing garlic.

The percentages of ether extract of chicks decreased with increasing CuSO4 levels, while protein and ash contents increased.

Dressing percentage was not affected by garlic, while abdominal fat content decreased.

Supplementing CuS04 had no effect on carcass traits, e.g.

dressing and abdominal fat contents.

Feeding garlic resulted in better economic efficiency value.

Supplementing broiler chicks with 60mg Cu/kg achieved superior economic efficiency value than control and 120 Cu mg/kg fed groups.

It may be stated that broiler diets could be supplemented with 2% garlic and copper at 60 Cu mg/kg to produce low-fat meat with no adverse effects on growth, dressing with better economic efficiency.