Abstract
The present investigation was performed to determine the impact of the dietary inclusion of ginger powder (Zingiber officinale) on the growth performance, immune response, slaughter traits, blood biochemistry and gut morphology of broiler chickens. One hundred and eighty unsexed broiler chicks (Avian 48) were randomly allocated to four equal groups (45 birds each) (G1, G2, G3 and G4), and each treatment had three replicates (15 birds/replicate). The G1 group was fed with basal diet, G2, G3 and G4 were received the basal diet plus 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg and 6 g/kg ginger powder, respectively. The trial lasted for six weeks. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the final bodyweight of G4 compared with those of G2 and G3. However, total feed intake improved in G2 and G3 and decreased in G4. The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in chicks of G3, followed by that of G2. At 42 days old, the gingersupplemented groups showed significant increases in hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre against Newcastle Disease virus. Significant increases in the leucocyte count (WBCs) and serum total protein were noticed only in G4, and cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased significantly in G4. In addition, the serum very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride levels decreased significantly in the gingersupplemented groups compared with G1, and the abdominal fat percentage significantly decreased in the G3 and G4 groups. Additionally, the ginger-supplemented groups showed higher villus lengths and greater crypt depths than the control group. Supplementation with ginger powder at a moderate level up to 4 g/kg diet has beneficial effects on growth performance, and up to level 6 g/kg diet improves histological gut parameters and hypolipidemic properties of broilers. Keywords : Zingiber officinale, chicken, growth, immunity, serum parameters, carcass
Highlights
The growth and laying performances of birds are frequently improved by using growth promoters or feed additives that have a positive impact on the growth and immune responses
Concerning total bodyweight gain (BWG), total feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality percentages, the results showed that the total BWG of G4 was significantly lower than those of G2 and G3
Concerning the total FI, a non-significant increase was observed for G2 and G3 compared with G1
Summary
The growth and laying performances of birds are frequently improved by using growth promoters or feed additives that have a positive impact on the growth and immune responses. Among these substances, antibiotics are no longer used as feed additives, because they are associated with residues in eggs and meat products, and their use has been restricted in many countries (Botsoglou et al, 2002). Herbal feed additives have shown beneficial effects on broiler growth and carcass parameters (Schleicher et al, 1998). Herbal supplements have antioxidant actions in broilers (Hui, 1996), activate immune responses, promote antimicrobial and anthelminthic actions and stimulate endogenous enzymes that enhance the digestion process (Omar et al, 2016).
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