Evaluation of clove powder as a feed additive on the performance, carcass traits, and internal organ weights of broiler chickens

Abstract

This study investigated clove powder as a feed additive on the performance, carcass traits, and internal organ weights of broiler chickens. A total of 160-day-old (Arbo acre) broiler chickens were utilized for the study. Four diets, designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4, were formulated. T1 served as the control with no clove powder, while T2, T3 and T4 had clove powder included at 100 g, 200 g, and 300 g/100 kg of feed, respectively. The birds were distributed into 4 treatment groups, each comprising 4 replicates of ten birds each. Each treatment was randomly assigned one of the treatment diets in a completely randomized design. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the final weight, weight gain, and feed intake of the birds at the starter phase. Birds in the T4 group recorded the highest values (P<0.05) for the three parameters assessed. T1 had the lowest values for the parameters. There was no significant difference in the feed conversion ratio of the birds across treatments. T4 had the lowest but non-significant feed conversion ratio. In the finisher phase, the result of the performance of the birds followed the same trend. Final weight, weight gain, and feed intake values were observed to be highest (P<0.05) in birds fed a T4-based diet. The feed conversion ratio also indicated no significant (P>0.05) difference across treatments. Live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, primal cuts (thigh, breast, drumstick, back, and wing) and abdominal fat indicated significant differences (P<0.05) across treatments. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in the internal organs of the chickens. It was concluded that incorporating clove powder up to 300 g in the broiler chicken diet improved growth performance and carcass traits without adverse effects on the internal organs of the chickens.