Dietary Supplementation with Aqueous Extract of Talinum triangulare at Different Phases of Broiler Production and Effect on Growth, Serum Biochemistry and Carcass Quality

Abstract

This study investigated at what phase of production Talinum triangulare (waterleaf) extract (TTE), a low-cost, unconventional feed ingredient and potent hypolipidemic agent will exert the optimal effect of reduced fat deposition in broilers. After one-week brooding and acclimatization period, a total of 180 broilers were separated into four treatment groups- A, B, C and D. Groups A, B and C had their diets supplemented with 1000 mg of TTE per litre of drinking water from week 2 to 12; week 2 to 7 and; week 7 to 12, of life respectively. Broilers in Group D were not treated with TTE and served as negative control. Parameters assessed include growth, serum biochemistry, carcass yield and abdominal fat deposition. Talinum triangulare extract supplementation in broilers produced very lean carcass with better cholesterol profile (enhanced HDL-C and reduced LDL-C) when administered throughout the production period (week 2 - 12) and at the finisher phase (week 7 - 12).