Effects of curry (Murraya koenigii) leaves powder supplementation on the bodyweight of broiler chickens

Abstract

The present experiment was conducted to study the effects of curry (Murraya koenigii) leaves powder supplementation on the performance of broiler chickens at Livestock Farm Complex Unit, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat. The study was conducted on one hundred sixty (160), straight run day old commercial broiler chicks randomly divided into four treatment groups of 40 chicks and each treatment was that further divided into four replicates of ten chicks in each. The four dietary treatments were as T1 (control - standard diet as per BIS, 2007), T2 (Standard diet + 1.5% curry leaves powder), T3 (Standard diet + 2.0% curry leaves powder) and T4 (Standard diet + 2.5% curry leaves powder). Treatment rations were started from 1st day up to 42nd day. Broiler pre-starter mash was provided during 1st week of age, while, starter mash was provided during 2nd to 3rd week and lastly, finisher ration was given during 4th to 6th week of age. The observations were recorded for weekly body weights, weekly body weight gain, weekly feed intake, weekly feed conversion ratio, livability, carcass traits, cut-up parts and organ weights. The data generated were analyzed using completely randomized design. The mean body weight was significantly (P≤0.05) improved in T2 group T2 (2402.11±43.08 g) among all treatment groups, followed by T1 (2304.21±37.57 g), T3 (2274.06±53.17 g) and T4 (2270.59±35.55 g) groups. Livability of broilers was not much affected by the addition of different level of curry leaves powder in the diet. The carcass traits were studied at the end of research period (42th day). Addition of curry leaves powder at various level has shown significant difference among the treatment groups for carcass dressing percentage. However, 1.5 percent (T2) curry powder supplementation group attained higher dressing percentage value (72.78±0.77) followed by control group (71.28±0.54), 2.0 percent curry powder supplemented group (70.99±0.20) and 2.5 percent curry powder supplemented group (69.41±0.77).