Effects of crude cowpea (Vigna unculata) meal supplemented with enzyme on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broiler chickens

Manny legumes are used extensively as animal feed. This study was conducted to look at the effects of decorticated cow pea seeds based diets supplemented with molasses on broiler performance and carcass traits. A total of 240 unsexed one-day old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used .The birds were randomly divided into six equal groups (treatments) and each group consisted of 8 (replicates). Six experimental diets (starter and finisher) were formulated to be approximately isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The cow pea was included at three levels (0, 10 and 20%) with two levels of molasses at (0, 3%). Decorticated cowpea and raw cowpea contain 25.86 vs. 24.78% crude protein, 1.41 vs. 0.91% ether extract, 3.36 vs. 3.33% ash and 2.64 vs. 3.46% crude fiber on dry matter basis. Methionine content was high in decorticated cowpea (0.40%) compared with raw cowpea (0.35%), the vice versa hold true for lysine, 1.74 in raw seeds vs. 1.62% in decorticated seeds. Decorticated cowpea seed at 10 or 20% without molasses significantly (p<0.05) improved final body weight (1999.50-2051.32 g vs. 1986.32 in the control group). Whereas, the molasses addition at 3% significantly decreased final body weight (1838.42-1900.79 g vs. 1986.32 in the control group) and total feed intake (3150.75- 3300.75 vs. 3318.00 +/- 26.45 g in the control group). The inclusion of 20% cowpea with 3% molasses significantly improved feed conversion ratio in 20 cow pea with 3% molasses It is concluded that cow pea seeds is a good source of protein that can be used in broiler feeds safely to give satisfactory results.

The effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with two different protein sources (cowpea [CWP] and chickpea [CKP]) on growth performance (GP), blood parameters and breast meat fatty acids (FA) content were evaluated. A total of 780 one-d-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated, over 2 growth phases (starter, 0–21 d; finisher, 22–42 d), to 5 dietary treatments as follow: (1) a corn-SBM basal diet as control; (2) 10% raw cowpea; (3) 20% raw cowpea; (4) 10% raw chickpea and (5) 20% raw chickpea. The results indicated that CWP and CKP diets conducted to similar GP (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio) when compared to the SBM diet, but changes in the content of blood parameters were observed. Glucose and total cholesterol decreased significantly in birds fed CWP (p<.0001) and CKP (p<.001) diet. Also, the use of CWP and CKP had a significant effect on the content of breast muscle FA, especially for alfa-linolenic (p <.0001), eicosapentaenoic (p<.0001), docosapentaenoic (p=.034) and docosahexaenoic (p =.003), which were higher than those fed SBM diet. In addition, there was a significant interaction between the protein source and the inclusion level (S × L) for the majority of the FA’s. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that CWP and CKP seeds represent an interesting alternative protein sources, which can improve broilers performance, health status and breast fatty acids composition. Highlights Cowpea (CWP) and chickpea (CKP) can be used as replacement for soybean meal in broiler chickens diets, at inclusion levels up to 200 g/kg. Dietary use of CWP and CKP decreased plasma cholesterol and glucose concentration. Use of CWP and CKP in broilers diets positively modified breast meat fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acids with potential benefits to human nutrition.

Optimizing broiler production performance while maintaining digestive health is a key challenge in poultry management. Dietary modifications, including the use of alternative protein sources and enzyme supplementation, can influence growth and gut health. This study evaluated the effects of roasting, extrusion, and enzymatic supplementation of Vigna unguiculata (cowpeas) and Cajanus cajan (pigeon peas) on growth performance and gut health in broilers. A total of 210 one-day-old Ross male broilers were randomly allocated to seven dietary treatments (five replicates per treatment; six broilers per pen) in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets incorporated raw or heat-treated cowpeas or pigeon peas, with or without a mixed enzyme supplement (protease, xylanase, and phytase), replacing soybean meal at 400 g/kg inclusion. Roasting cowpeas or enzyme supplementation did not significantly affect body weight gain or cumulative performance index (p > 0.05). Roasting pigeon peas significantly improved chick performance (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets containing raw cowpeas, raw cowpeas with enzymes, and both roasted and raw pigeon peas (with or without enzymes) exhibited reduced duodenal crypt depth compared to the control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, raw cowpeas, irrespective of enzyme supplementation, induced an immune response in the duodenum that was not observed in broilers fed the control diet, roasted cowpeas, or raw pigeon peas. Partial substitution of maize and soybean meal with 400 g/kg roasted pigeon peas is a promising alternative in broiler nutrition, enhancing both performance and gut health. However, raw cowpeas may trigger an intestinal immune response, highlighting the importance of processing methods.

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of boiling, pressure cooking and germination on the proximate, nutrients, amino acids and anti-nutrients content of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The results showed that the germinated cowpeas (GMC) had the highest value of crude protein (22.89%), crude fat (3.81%) and crude fibre (2.10%) followed by raw cowpeas (RWC) and pressure cooked cowpeas (PCC) while boiled cowpeas (BDC) had the least. There was comparable value of ash content in all the samples except for BDC with the least. Boiling had significantly higher moisture content than others. Carbohydrate value ranged from 57.21 to 58.13% for GMC and BDC, respectively and 59.69 to 59.74% for RWC and PCC, respectively. Comparable calorific value of GMC and BDC was significantly higher than that of PCC and RWC. The decreasing order of anti-nutrient factors in treated cowpeas is: GMC > RWC > PCC > BDC. This result inferred that boiling is an adequate processing for drastic reduction of the anti-nutrient factors (phytate, tannin, trypsin inhibitor and total phenol) in cowpeas. On the other hand, germination had increased the amount of methionine, lysine and tryptophan by 10.94, 18.89 and 20.90%, respectively, while the pressure cooking and boiling had mild losses of methionine, lysine and tryptophan. Similarly, germination had increased the amount of macro elements (0.0036 mg/kg for Na, 0.024 mg/kg for K, 0.021 mg/kg for Ca, 0.037 mg/kg for P, and 0.022 mg/kg for Mg) while boiling and pressure cooking had decreased the amount of these macro elements compared with the raw sample. Heat treatments (boiling and pressure cooking) recorded decreased level of micro elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) while germination had increased the micro elements by 4.66, 3.78, 13.85, and 6.38% for Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that the heat treatments (boiling and pressure cooking) had significantly reduced that anti-nutrient factors in cowpeas but germination (sprouting) had excellent nutritional qualities. Future research work should be carried out on combination of heat treatment with germination to reduce the anti-nutrient factors in grain legumes. Key words: Cowpea, antinutritional factors, nutritional composition.

Wheat grain is a major ingredient in broiler diets in many countries, and due to its high protein and starch content, it is considered to be a good source of nutrients for broilers. But wheat contains 5 to 8 percent non starch polysaccharides (NSP), pentosans, which may be impair nutrient digestibility and growth performance (Carre and Brillouet, 1986). Several studies have shown that, among the nutrients, fat digestion suffers the most pronounced impairment due to high digesta viscosity (Choct and Annison, 1992). It is suggested that to reduce adverse effects of anti nutritional factors content in wheat, diet supplements with enzyme. The effect of dietary supplementation of xylanse enzyme on growth performance is depended upon the amount and fat type (Langhout, et al. 1997). Different fat sources are usually added to broiler diets to increase energy concentration and to improve productivity. This study was carried out to determine effect of xylanase enzyme and fat type on growth performance and intestinal viscosity of broiler fed wheat based diet.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of germinated barley (GB) on live performance and carcass traits in broiler chickens. The experiment lasted for 5 weeks starting from 7 days of age and ending at 42 days of age. Chicks (Ross 308) were fed six dietary treatments including a corn–soy diet (corn diet), a barley–soy diet (barley diet), a barley diet plus enzymes (enzyme barley diet), and 3 other diets in which GB was replaced with barley at levels of 33%, 66%, and 100% in the barley diet (33% GB diet, 66% GB diet, and GB diet, respectively). Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Results indicated that birds fed a barley diet had significantly lower performance than those fed other diets (P). Supplementing of the barley diet with β-glucanase enzyme as well as replacing GB with barley improved the performance of broilers. Birds fed a GB diet had a significantly higher carcass yield those fed other diets (P). The lowest abdominal fat percentage was observed in birds fed a barley diet or a corn diet. Thus, it is concluded that replacing GB with barley, especially at 33% level, is more effective than supplementing barley diets with β-glucanase enzyme in improving live performance of broiler chickens.

In rural areas of South Africa, different traditional processing methods such as cooking, sun-drying and appropriate storage are used predominantly to process leafy vegetables, however, these methods are casual due to levels of nutritional losses they cause as they increase prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies resulting in food insecurities. Therefore, these cause havoc in the rural populace. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of time-based oven-drying on essential mineral elements of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] leaves. A study was conducted at Limpopo Agro-Food Technology Station laboratory with a constant oven-drying temperature of 52°C. Two separate experiments were conducted for raw and cooked cowpea leaves with four treatments viz., 0 (sun-dried), 24, 48 and 72 h of oven-drying arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Forty-eight and 72 h oven-drying periods significantly decreased raw cowpea leaf Fe, K, Mn, Na, Zn, P and S content. Relative to control, 48 h oven-drying period decreased K, Mn and Na by 6, 9 and 13%, respectively. Similarly, 72 h oven-drying period significantly decreased Fe, Zn, P and S content by 11, 16, 18 and 57%, respectively, in raw cowpea leaves. In cooked cowpea leaves, the decrease was observed in Zn and S mineral elements by 16 and 39%, respectively. In contrast, 72 h significantly increased cooked cowpea leaf Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Na content by 8, 8, 3 and 14%, respectively.

در این آزمایش اثر افزودن سطوح مختلف اسانس اسطوخودوس Lavandula angustifolia)) به جیره بر عملکرد، فراسنجه‌های خونی و قابلیت هضم ایلئومی مواد مغذی در جوجه‌های گوشتی مطالعه گردید. برنامه تغذیه شامل جیره آغازین از 1 تا 10 روزگی، جیره رشد از 11 تا 24 روزگی و جیره پایانی از 25 تا 42 روزگی بود. پنج تیمار آزمایشی عبارت بودند از: تیمار شاهد، افزودن ویرجینیامایسین 10% به جیره) 50 میلی‌گرم در کیلوگرم( و سه سطح اسانس اسطوخودوس (350، 525 و700 میلی‌گرم در کیلوگرم). جوجه‌های تیمار حاوی ویرجینیامایسین در سن 42 روزگی بیشترین مصرف خوراک را داشتند و پس از آن جوجه‌های تغذیه شده با جیره‌های حاوی 525 و700 میلی‌گرم در کیلوگرم اسانس اسطوخودوس قرار داشتند. بیشترین افزایش وزن در کل دوره مربوط به جیره حاوی ویرجینیامایسین و کمترین افزایش وزن مربوط به جیره شاهد بود. در سن 28 روزگی کمترین میزان کلسترول خون در تیمار حاوی350 میلی‌گرم در کیلوگرم اسانس مشاهده شد که با تیمار آنتی بیوتیک اختلاف معنی‌داری داشت. همچنین جیره‌های حاوی اسانس اسطوخودوس باعث کاهش لیپوپروتئین با چگالی بالا سرم نسبت به جیره‌های حاوی ویرجینیامایسین و شاهد شدند. اثرات معنی‌داری بر ضریب تبدیل غذایی، تری گلیسرید، لیپوپروتئین با چگالی پایین، لیپوپروتئین با چگالی خیلی پایین سرم و قابلیت هضم مواد مغذی مشاهده نگردید. بر طبق نتایج این آزمایش اسانس اسطوخودوس باعث بهبود نتایج عملکردی در حد آنتی‌بیوتیک نگردید، اما استفاده از آن می‌تواند اثرات مثبتی بر مصرف خوراک، افزایش وزن و کاهش کلسترول داشته باشد، هر چند تحقیقات بیشتری در این زمینه مورد نیاز است.

Introduction Carnitine has several roles in lipid oxidation, immunomodulation function and enhancing antibody responses. L-carnitine has been found to exhibit immunomodulatory effects. It enhances serum primary antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and subsequent humoral immunity using 100 mg L-carnitine/ kg diet compared with control group in Leghorn chickens (Deng et al., 2006). It was reported that only the immediate effects of dietary carnitine on immunocompetence is known while comparing long and short-term effects on early life on the immune system of broiler chickens is unknown. The organic allyl sulfur components in garlic (mainly allicin) were implicated to mediate its biological activity. The biological activities of these compounds may be related to their SH modification and antioxidant properties (Prasad et al., 1996). AGE treatment prevented the reduction of the antibody production response in thymectomized mice and improved the thymectomy-induced deterioration of learning behaviors in passive avoidance performance and in a spatial memory task (Zhang et al., 1998). Materials and Methods Four hundred Arian one-day-old broiler chicks were used. This experiment was conducted in order to consider the effects of L-Carnitine and garlic powder on broiler chicken performance, blood metabolites and carcass characteristics in a 2×5 factorial arrangement in randomized complete design with 5 dietary treatments, 4 replicates and 12 birds in each and two periods: short (first 3 weeks) and long time (total production period). Dietary treatments were 1) Basal diet (BD: no supplementation), 2) ration having 0.02% flavomycin (positive control), 3) ration having 1.5% garlic powder, 4) ration having 0.025% L-Carnitine and 5) ration having 0.025% L-Carnitine plus 1.5% garlic powder. The birds were kept under conventional conditions for vaccination, temperature, ventilation, and lighting based on Ross catalogue recommendations. Standard management practices of commercial broiler production were applied. They were fed experimental diets from 15 to 42 d of age. The broiler diets were formulated based on standardized ileal digestible amino acids and other requirements were obtained from Ross catalogue recommendations. Humoral immunity of broilers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were detected by intramuscularly injection of SRBC (2.5% suspension in PBS, 1 ml/bird) to two birds from each replicate at 8 and 23 days of age in the first and second experiment respectively, followed by a booster injection at 6 days after the first injection. Blood samples were collected at 6 days after the first and second injection and total Ig, IgG and IgM were detected (Cheema et al., 2000). The toe web swelling reaction to PHA-P was measured in 2 broilers from each pen (marked with a black color) at days 12 and 26 of first and second experiment respectively. One-fifth milliliter of a PHA-P solution (1 mg/mL in PBS) was injected subcutaneously into 2 sites on the left toe web of the broilers. As a sham control, 0.2 mL of PBS was injected into 2 sites on the right toe web. The thickness of each injection site was measured using a pressure-sensitive micrometer before injection and at 4, 12, 24, and 48 h after injection (Wang et al., 2000). At the age of 42d, 5 broilers from each treatment with average body weight of each treatment were selected and blood samples were collected and white blood cell concentration like heterophile, lymphocyte percentage and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were calculated. Results and Discussion Results showed that supplementation time and dietary treatments did not have significant effects on humoral immunity against SRBC and cell mediated immunity response against PHA injection (P > 0.05). Supplementation time and addition of L-carnitine and garlic powder decreased heterophil and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and increased lymphocyte percentage (P < 0.05). Garlic and garlic derived compounds were shown to alter the rate of metabolism of testosterone through regulation of the cytochrome p450 enzymes and garlic seems to inhibit the enzyme cytochrome p450 (Pinto and Rivlin, 2001), hence high level of steroids can cause thymus reduction. Garlic consumption may exert regulatory effects on Th1/Th2 cytokine production and promote a Th2 type or humoral immune response in rat spleen lymphocytes. Conclusion It was concluded that application of the dietary supplements (0.025% L-Carnitine plus 1.5% garlic powder) at the levels like this experiment did not improved humoral and sell mediated immunity whereas they increased immunity of broiler chickens and defensing mechanism.

Vitamins are essential micronutrients the body requires in small quantities for various roles. When included in poultry feed, vitamins play significant roles in the physiological and metabolic processes of poultry. Different vitamins perform different functions in the animal’s body. For instance, vitamin A is necessary for good feathering, egg production and good growth. A severe deficiency of vitamin A in poultry gives the birds an appearance that resembles suffering from chronic respiratory disease, a cold, or other kinds of diagnostics. Other symptoms such as nasal discharge, edema of the face, and so on, may be visible in vitamin A deficient chickens. Accumulated lines of evidence indicated that nanotechnology, a new technique that involves the manipulation of particles into tiny bits of between 1-100 nanometer (nm), is able to increase the efficiency of nanominerals such as chromium and selenium on poultry performance. However, the effects of nanoparticle vitamins on poultry production have not been elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nanoparticle vitamins and commercial vitamin on broiler chickens performance. Two vitamin products, nanoparticle vitamin (containing vitamin A, D3, E, K3, B1, B2, B12 and C) and commercial vitamin (content unknown) were evaluated on a total of 330 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Arbor Acres). Birds were randomly assigned to 0 (control, 1000ml drinking water), 1000x (1ml vitamin+1000ml drinking water) and 2000x (0.5ml vitamin+1000ml drinking water) groups of commercial vitamin and nanoparticle vitamin with three replicates per treatment (18 chickens per cage) for 35 day. All chickens were fed a basal diet formulated according to the National Research Council (NRC 1994) standard. On day 7 and 14, all the chickens were vaccinated against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis (IB). Body weight of individual chickens in every group (18 birds/group) and average feed intake per group was measured and recorded. In addition, the metabolism and absorption of vitamin A was examined during the experiment. A total of 72 one-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acres) were randomly assigned to 4 cages and fed a basal diet for 28 days. On the 28th day, 60 chickens were randomly selected and force fed with nanoparticle vitamins and commercial vitamins; after which the birds were sacrificed and blood and livers samples were collected for analysis. At the end of the experiment (35 days), 5 chickens per group were randomly selected and sacrificed and their organs were collected and weighed immediately and the breast and thigh meat was analyzed after sacrifice. Blood and liver samples were collected and stored at -20°C until processed. The parameters measured included: growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion, immune response, organ weights, blood vitamin A, liver vitamin A, blood biochemistry, and breast and thigh searing force. The results showed that the body weight gain of 2000x, 1000x and 2000x commercial vitamin groups were significantly higher than that of the control. In addition, feed conversion ratio results showed that 2000x commercial vitamin and 2000x nanoparticle vitamins were significantly higher than the control. In addition, all treatments except for 1000x commercial vitamin had a significantly higher liver weight than the control. Apart from the body weight, feed conversion ratio, and liver weight, no other significant differences were obtained from other parameters that were measured. Therefore, this study was able to demonstrate that using 2000x of both the nanoparticle vitamin and the commercial vitamin can enhance the growth performance of broilers. When considering feed efficiency as a factor for production, this study showed that using 2000x nanoparticle vitamin and 1000x and 2000x commercial vitamin is sufficient to enhance a good feed utilization of broilers.

The experiment was conducted to determine the performance characteristics and haematological indices of broiler chickens fed varying levels of millet as a replacement for maize. Three hundred and thirty day old Marshal Broiler chickens were assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 22 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Five experimental diets were formulated with millet included at 0, 10, 20, 30 & 40% levels of inclusion. Weights of the birds were taken at the beginning and subsequently on weekly basis thereafter till the end of the experiment. Feed and water were fed ad libitum throughout the feeding trial which lasted for 56 days. On day 56, blood sample was collected from the wing vein of the birds using needle with syringe for haematological and blood biochemistry indices assay. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance. Results indicated that birds fed 20% millet had better feed conversion ratio compared to those fed 40% millet. Inclusion of millet in broiler diets significantly reduced the water intake of birds. The total protein, globulin, albumin and glucose fell within the values recommended for normal chickens. It was concluded that millet can replace maize component in broilers diets up to 20% without any adverse effect on growth performance of broiler chickens.Keywords: Performance, millet, broilers, haematological indices

آزمایشی به منظور بررسی اثر پروتئین و اسیدهای آمینه گوگرد دار قابل هضم جیره آغازین بر عملکرد و بافت شناسی ژژنوم جوجه‌های گوشتی در قالب طرح کاملا تصادفی به ترتیب فاکتوریل3×2 انجام شد. 300 قطعه جوجه گوشتی نر یک روزه سویه راس به 30 گروه 10 قطعه ای تقسیم شدند. تیمارهای آزمایشی شامل دو سطح پروتئین قابل هضم 5/19 و 5/21 درصد و سه سطح اسیدهای آمینه گوگرد دار قابل هضم (DSAA) 94/0، 02/1 و 1/1 درصد جیره بودند. افزایش درصد DSAA ، مصرف خوراک و ضریب تبدیل را در دوره آغازین افزایش داد اما بر افزایش وزن در این دوره تأثیری نداشت. با افزایش درصد DSAA در دوره آغازین، افزایش وزن روزانه و مصرف خوراک در دوره پایانی و کل دوره افزایش یافت اما بر ضریب تبدیل تأثیری نداشت. با افزایش سطح DSAA در دوره آغازین، اجزای لاشه و وزن نسبی قسمت های مختلف روده کوچک در10 و42 روزگی اختلاف معنی‌داری را نشان نداد اما چربی محوطه شکمی در 42 روزگی کاهش یافت. با افزایش سطح پروتئین قابل هضم، ضخامت ماهیچه در ژژنوم در 10 روزگی افزایش یافت. با افزایش درصد DSAA ،طول و عرض پرز در ناحیه ژژنوم در 10 روزگی افزایش یافت.سطوح پروتئین قابل هضم و DSAA تأثیری بر طول نسبی اجزای روده کوچک در 10 و 42 روزگی نداشت.

Two trials were conducted to investigate the effects of different corn conditioning temperature and enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilisation, growth performance, and small intestine morphology in broiler chickens. In trial one, nutrient utilisation were determined in basal diets. These diets contained unconditioned or conditioned corn (temperatures 55, 70 and 85 °C) supplemented with enzyme (Rovabio®) at the levels of 0 and 0.5‌ g/kg. Total excreta collection was performed with 144 chicks in 8 treatments with 6 replicates and 3 birds each, during 7–9 d. In trial two, 576 day-old broilers were distributed in 8 treatments, 6 pens and 12 chicks each. Birds were fed with diets containing conditioned corn in aforementioned temperatures and enzyme levels. A completely randomised design with 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was used in both trials. Conditioning of corn and enzyme supplementation had no significant effects on apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of corn and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of corn nitrogen (N). In second trial, no significant differences were observed in growth performance of broilers during 1–24 d. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in birds fed diets containing conditioned corn at 85 °C was significantly higher than that of 55 and 70 °C during 1–10 d. Corn conditioning significantly increased villus width (VW) and crypt depth (CD) but decreased VW:CD ratio. Enzyme supplementation increased jejunum villus height (VH), VW and ileal lactobacillus count and decreased pancreas weight at 24 ‌d (p‌ <‌ .05). Generally, corn conditioning and enzyme supplementation did not significantly affect growth performance and carcase traits of broilers during 1–24 d, but improved histology and microbial population of small intestine. HIGHLIGHTS Conditioning of corn used in mash diets of broiler chickens increased the population of bifidobacteria. Enzyme supplementation to the diets of broilers increased the height and width of intestinal villi. Enzyme supplementation to the diets of broilers decreased relative weight of pancreas.

Poultry meat is an excellent source of high quality protein, vitamins and minerals and is not subjected to cultural and religious restrictions. Incorporation of herbal plants and vitamins in the feed of broilers are more acceptable to health conscious consumers. Selenium, an essential micronutrient, has various biological roles in poultry and it is needed for normal growth and maintenance in them. The current study was designed to study the combined effect of Ashwagandha and Selenium on growth performance and carcass traits of broilers. Day old chicks (n=60) were selected and divided in to six groups, with 3 replicates of each group, 20 chicks in each replicate. Ashwagandha and Selenium were supplemented in broiler chicken feed at different levels for different group. The growth performance of broilers were assessed in terms of weekly body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The carcass quality was analyzed based on dressing percentage, drumstick weight, giblet weight, cooking yield and pH of fresh chicken meat. The data obtained in the present study were analyzed statistically by using Complete Randomized Design one way Anova procedure of SPSS version 20. Average body weight gain of broilers groups treated simultaneously with both the Ashwagandha and Selenium showed significant (P<0.05) difference when compared to other groups. The highest body weight gain was found during the third week of the trial and for the treatment group T 5 . The carcass traits were also found better in Ashwagandha and Selenium treated groups due to the synergistic effect of these dietary inclusions. The current study recommends an inclusion of Ashwagandha and Selenium in the broiler diet at level of 2.5 per cent and 0.20 mg/kg, respectively for the improvement of growth performance and carcass traits in broiler chicken.

In this study, we tested the effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on the growth performance in broilers, and furthermore, its effects on antioxidative enzyme activities and corresponding gene in the liver of broilers. A total of 128 14-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments: maize-soybean meal as the basal control diet and the basal diet containing 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg of YSE, respectively, in this study. Each treatment was consisted of four replicate pens with eight broilers per pen. The experiment lasted 28 days. Average daily gain (ADG), average feed intake (AFI) and feed efficiency (FE) were recorded during grower period (d 15 to d 28) and finisher period (d 29 to d 42), respectively. On day 28 and 42, liver samples were collected to analyse superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and gene expressions of SOD, CAT, GPx. The results showed that during grower period, there was no difference on growth performance, while CAT activity and its gene expression were increased at 200 mg/kg YSE level. During finisher period, 100 mg/kg YSE supplementation enhanced ADG, and 100 and 200 mg/kg YSE groups improved FE. T-AOC was improved at both 200 and 300 mg/kg. 300 mg/kg supplementation of YSE enhanced GPx and SOD activity, and decreased MDA concentration. GPx gene expression was up-regulated at 300 mg/kg level. In conclusion, YSE promoted growth performance in broilers as well as exhibited liver antioxidative ability during finisher period.