Effect of Using Garlic on the Economical and Physiological Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This investigation aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of garlic powder as a phytogenic supplement on broilers chickens' performance. The assumption that garlic could improve some economic and performance characteristics of broiler chickens (i.e., body weight, feed intake, water intake, feed conversion ratio, feeding cost, carcass yield, and mortality rate) was tested. A total of 400 one-day-old chicks of mixed sex (Hybrid) were weighed and randomly assigned to four treatment groups, each with four replicate pens of 25 chicks. The dietary treatments included the basal diet (control), control + 2.5 kg/ton garlic, or control + 5 kg/ton garlic or 7.5 kg/ton garlic as powder. The results of the study revealed that incorporation of garlic powder in broiler diets as feed additive significantly enhanced growth, economic and productive performance of these chickens. Physiological measurements (body weight, weight gains, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight and internal organs) showed better performance of garlic treated chickens compared with control group under same rearing system. The results similarly showed lower susceptibility to diseases and medicament treatment consequently; lower mortality rate compared to control groups. Furthermore, blood and meat analysis showed lower cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL, and, HDL levels compared with control group. The study concluded that garlic could be effectively used in broilers feeding to replace antibiotic as a growth promoter.