Effects of Dietary Tribulus terrestris L. Powder on Growth Performance, Body Components and Digestive System of Broiler Chicks
[ N/A ]
Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Garuda Scientific Publications
Access Rights
info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
Abstract
To test whether Tribulus terretris (TT) vegatative powder can be used as alternative to antibiotics in the diet of broiler chicks, 240 mixed sex day old broiler chicks were divided equally into four treatment groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0.06% alfamune and 0.025% flavomycine (control) or 4, 8, 12 g TT powder per kg. At all levels TT treated birds ate and gained less during 0-35 d. However, during the last week they ate at higher rate and exhibited compensatory growth. TT treated birds did not utilise food efficiently. TT decreased carcass yield (%) and increased weights of proventriculus, ileum + jejunum and empty gut. TT-treated broiler chicks survived as well as antibiotic supplemented ones. The use of TT powder as a feed additive may serve to produce antibiotic free poultry meat for better acceptability among consumers.
Description
Keywords
Tribulus terrestris, feed additive, growth, body components, digestive morphology, antibiotic free poultry meat
Journal or Series
Journal of Applied Animal Research
WoS Q Value
Q4
Scopus Q Value
Q2
Volume
35
Issue
2
