Effect of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seed Powder and Furazolidone Supplementation on Growth Performance of Broilers

Abstract

‌Backgroud: Residues of AGPs (antibiotic growth promoters) caused bacterial resistance in humans. This study has been conducted to assess how broiler chicks responded to various amounts of fennel seed powder as a natural growth promoter and as an alternative to antibiotics. Furazolidone was fed as an antibiotic growth promoter to evaluate the effects of this substance on the feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and body weight gain of chickens. Materials and Methods: 120-days-old broiler chicks were used in this study. They were placed into five groups randomly with three replicates in each group and eight chicks in each replication, over the course of 35 days. From these five groups, the T1 (control) group was given a normal diet, the T2, T3, and T4 groups were given one, two, and three grams of fennel seed powder per kilogram of diet, respectively. However, the T5 group was given 0,2 g furazolidone per kilogram of diet. The feed which used in this study was obtained from Habib Hassam trading company and it was of two types (4 number feed and 9 number feed). Findings: It was found that the experimental groups who received 2 and 3 grams of fennel seed powder per kilogram of diet not only ate less food overall, but also had the best feed conversion ratio, and the greatest weight gains (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the group given 1gr of fennel seed powder per kilogram of a diet with the control group (P>0.05). On the other hand, the group that was fed 0,2 g of furazolidone was not significant as compared to the first (control) group. Conclusion: As a natural growth promoter, feeding broiler chicks 2-3 grams of ground fennel seed per kilogram of diet will have the best effects on growth performance as well as avoiding furazolidone.