EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTING EMULSIFIER ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKEN

Abstract

Abstract Emulsifiers allow a better nutrient absorption and utilization of energy. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two exogenous (commercial) emulsifiers in energy based diet on broiler performance and carcass characteristics. A total of 90 day-old chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly distributed to the three treatment groups (T0, T1 and T2); each with three replicates. The experimental diet T0 (control), T1 (0.06% lysolecithin) and T2 (0.2% lecithin) in both starter & grower ration were fed to the respective groups for 28 days. The diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Body weight, body weight gain and feed consumption were measured at weekly intervals. It was observed that body weight and body weight gain were significantly (P<0.01) higher in both supplemented diet groups (T2 and T1) compared to the control group (T0). Highest body weight and body weight gain were observed in lecithin supplemented diet group (T2). Cumulative body weight gain was also significantly (P<0.01) higher in both supplemented diet groups (T2 and T1) for the whole rearing period. The difference in feed consumption among three groups at 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks was highly significant (P<0.01) except at 3rd week which was non-significant (P>0.05). Cumulative feed consumption was highly significant (P<0.01) for four weeks. Feed conversion was found highly significantly (P<0.01) improved at 2nd, 3rd and 4th week except 1st week in T2, T1 than T0. Among carcass parameters dressing percentage (P<0.01), weight of drumstick (P<0.05) were significantly increased in T2 group than other two groups. Weight of abdominal and neck regional fat were found numerically lower in T2 group but the result was non significant (P>0.05), statistically. In cost items, total cost (Tk./Kg live broiler) was highest in control group (T0) (P<0.05) and lowest in lecithin supplemented group (T2). In terms of income, net profit (Tk./broiler), net profit (Tk./Kg live broiler) were increased significantly (P<0.05) in both emulsifier supplemented diet groups than control group (T0) considering same market sale price. The study revealed that lecithin supplementation in broiler diet brings more growth, quality carcass as well as profit in business.