Influence of Thorn Apple (Datura stramonnium), Catmint (Nepeta cataria) and Turmeric (Curcunan longa) Powder blend as an Additive in the Diet of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

A total of (210) unsexed day-old broiler chick (Abor-acre) was used to determine the effect of thorn apple, catmint and tumeric powder blend on growth performance, carcass, organ, haematology and serum biochemistry at stater phase. Experimental diets were formulated in a ratio 1:1 inclusion of turmeric and datura, catmint and datura blend in which the treatment groups include T1- 0g, T2- 2g/kg of turmeric and datura in ratio 1:1, T3-4g/kg of turmeric and datura in ratio 1:1, T4- 6g/kg of turmeric and datura in a ratio of 1:1 , T5- 2g/kg of catmint and datura in ratio 1:1, T6- 4g/ of catmint and datura in ratio 1:1 and T7- 6g/kg of catmint and datura in ratio 1:1. The birds were randomly allotted into seven (7) dietary treatments of 30 birds per treatment and 3 replicate of 10 birds and were arranged in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth performance, carcass characteristics, haematology, serum biochemistry and were analysed using ANOVA. The results revealed significant difference on (P<0.05) on some of the parameters measured. Highest (P<0.05) final weight gain (2573.53g) was recorded from broiler fed with 2g/kg of turmeric and datura while broiler chicken fed 4g/kg of datura and catmint had the least value (2119.61g). Highest liver value (2.03%) was recorded with broiler bird fed diet 4g/kg of datura and turmeric, while the least proportion (1.60%) with broiler chicken fed diet 4g/kg of datura and catmint. Highest kidney value (0.42%) was record with broiler birds fed diet 4g/kg and 6g/kg of datura and turmeric, while the least value (0.30%) was recorded with 6diet 2g/kg of datura and catmint supplement. Highest red blood cell value (2.62 x10µl) was recorded6 from the broiler birds fed diet (2g\kg) of datura and catmint while the least value (2.27 x10µl) was recorded from broiler birds feed diet control (no diet supplement). Highest total protein value (35.50 g/dl) was recorded from broiler with diet 6g/kg datura and catmint while the least value (10.50 g/dl) was recorded from diet 2g/kg datura and catmint supplements. The study concluded that the use of 6g/kg of thorn apple, catmint and turmeric blend had no adverse effect on the performance of broiler chicken. It was therefore recommended that feeding broiler chicken with diet that contain 6g/kg of thorn apple and turmeric blend will help to improve overall performance and economic benefits.