Effect of supplementing molasses on productive performance, carcass characteristics and hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler

Abstract

One hundred sixty Cobb 500™ unsexed broiler chicks were used in a 28-day trial to study the effects of molasses supplementation on productive performance, carcass characteristics and hemato-biochemical parameters in commercial broiler. Birds were randomly distributed into four dietary treatment groups designated as T0, T1, T2 and T3 and molasses was supplemented at 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% of drinking water for the above groups, respectively. Each group was further divided into four replicates having 10 birds per pen. All birds had free access to ad-libitum feed and water. Results indicated that, weekly average live weight increased significantly in 1st2nd and 4th weeks due to supplementation of molasses. Highest (1620.5 g/bird) and lowest (1569.4 g/bird) average live weight was recorded in T3 and T0 groups, respectively at 4th week. Weight gain increased only in 1st (p?0.01) and 3rd (p?0.05) weeks. Maximum (77.8 g/bird/d) and minimum (71.5 g/bird/d) weekly average weight gain was recorded in T3 and T2 groups, respectively at 4th week. Drumstick weight increased (P 0.05) except for total protein which differed in irregular fashion (p?0.01) at 4th week. It was concluded that, molasses in addition to basal diet, at an inclusion level of 1.0% of drinking water improves productive performance and carcass characteristics of commercial broiler without changing hemato-biochemical parameters.