Effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract feeding on body weight gain, average daily weight gain and FCR of hamster under different dietary treatments

Abstract

Seventy two weaned Syrian hamsters of either sex were randomly assigned to six treatmentsin single cages (290mm X 220mm X 140mm) in a closed room where the temperature and relative humidity was maintained 24±50C and 60±15%, respectively during the trial of 56 days. The experiment consisted of six treatments. The concentrate mixture of all the groups was formulated using wheat, fish meal, ground nut cake, mineral mixture and common salt. Feed provided to each treatment was same. Treatment T1, T3 and T5were provided with pure water only. While treatment group T2, T4 and T6were provided with green tea extract only. Green tea extract was prepared by dipping green tea bag (1.3g) in 130 ml boiling water so that effectively it formed 1 percent w/v solution. In this study it was found that growth measurements for T2, T4 and T6 were better as compared to other treatment groups. This indicates the beneficial aspect of GTE. At the same time, the growth profile is better for T2 because GTE in association with rice husk acted synergistically. Body weight gain for T2 in which GTE was provided was significantly higher as compared to other groups while it is minimum for T5(11.14gvs 2.78g, P< 0.05). FCR value for T2 is much better as compared to other groups while it is worst for T5 (12.98 vs 45.63).