Effects of Garlic and Neem Extract on Growth Performance and Blood Biochemical Indices in Sonali Chicken

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of garlic and neem with water on growth performance and blood biochemical indices of Sonali chicken. An experiment was done for a period of 11 weeks with 1000-day old straight run Sonali chicks. The chicks were divided into four groups each of 250, replicated to five sub-groups each of 50 birds. First group of chicks was considered as control (without additives), the second group of chicks supplied garlic extracts, third group of chicks supplied neem extracts, the remaining group of chicks supplied antibiotic growth promoter. Results showed that supplementation of neem and garlic in water increased (P<0.05) body weight and body weight gain compared with the control group. Feed intake was not significantly (P>0.05) different among the treatments. Improved (P<0.05) FCR was observed in garlic and neem supplemented groups compared to the control group. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in dressing parameters except thigh meat. Thigh meat was significantly higher (P<0.05) in garlic extract group compared to the antibiotic group. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in cholesterol and triglyceride among different treatment groups whereas, garlic extract, neem extract and antibiotic group showed the lower (P<0.05) glucose level compare to the control group. Based on the results of this study, it may be suggested that the garlic and neem could be used in the water of Sonali chicks as alternative to antibiotic.