Effect of supplementation of Arjuna bark powder (Terminalia arjuna) as herbal feed additive on carcass characteristics of broiler chicks in arid region of Rajasthan

Abstract

Aim of this experiment was to investigate the use of Arjuna Bark Powder (Terminalia arjuna) in broiler feed as a feed additive on carcass characteristics of broilers in arid region of Rajasthan. Total 150 one day old broiler chicks (Cobb-430) were used in experiment. The broiler chicks were divided into five dietary treatments groups (T1-T5) and each treatment group was also divided into three replicates (R1-R3). The T1 group was fed on basal diet without feed additive and kept as control. Whereas treatment groups (T2-T5) were supplemented with graded levels of Arjuna Bark Powder (Terminalia arjuna) in the basal broiler starter and finisher ration, respectively. The T2, T3, T4 and T5 group were supplemented with Arjuna Bark Powder @ 0.50%, 0.75%, 1% and 1.25% in the basal broiler starter and finisher ration, respectively. A feeding trial was conducted for duration of 42 days after this broiler were slaughtered to assess the alteration in carcass characteristics of Arjuna supplemented groups than control group. The findings revealed that the supplementation of Arjuna Bark Powder at graded levels improves the carcass characteristics of broilers i.e., improved dressing, eviscerated weight per cent, giblet yield and weight per cent of organs (liver, heart and gizzard). However, it did not bring any significant effect on carcass characteristics of broiler.