Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilisation as Affected by Black Pepper or Jaggery Supplementation and Feed Restriction in Broiler Chicken

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of black pepper, jaggery supplementation and feed restriction on phase wise growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers. In this study, 480 chicks were distributed randomly into 8 treatments having total 60 birds per treatment (4 replicates × 15 chicks in each replicate. The birds in treatment T1 (control groups) were fed as per ICAR (2013) i.e. starter diet with 22% CP and 3000 Kcal/kg ME, grower diet with 21.5% CP and 3050 Kcal/kg ME and finisher diet with 19.5% CP and 3100 Kcal/kg ME.). The other treatments comprised: T2 = T1 with feed restriction (8–10 h), T3 = T1 with 0.5% black pepper supplementation, T4 = T1 with 0.5% black pepper supplementation and feed restriction (8–10 h), T5 = T1 with 1% jaggery supplementation, T6 = T1 with 1% jaggery supplementation and feed restriction (8–10 h), T7 = T1with 0.5% black pepper and 1% jaggery supplementation, T8 = T1 with 0.5% black pepper and 1% jaggery supplementation and feed restriction (8–10 h). There was significant decrease (P<0.05) in body weight gain during starter phase and overall period due to feed restriction. Lower feed intake was observed during starter phase, finisher phase and overall phase for feed restricted groups. Black pepper supplementation decreased (P<0.05) body weight gain during starter phase and overall period and lowered feed intake during starter phase, grower phase and overall period. No significant difference in body weight gain and feed intake was observed during different phases due to jaggery supplementation. A significant increase in digestibility of ether extract was observed due to feed restriction and black pepper supplementation. Protein digestibility improved due to feed restriction in starter phase, finisher phase and overall phase. Ether extract digestibility improved due to feed restriction and black pepper supplementation. So, it was concluded that a significant reduction in feed intake and body weight gain was observed in starter phase and overall phase due to feed restriction and black pepper supplementation.