Effect of clove powder on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Broiler

Abstract

This study examined how broiler chickens responded to clove extract added to their basal diet (broiler starter feed and broiler grower feed) at various concentrations (0% ,0.04%, 0.08%). Performance in terms of growth and carcass characteristics were examined in the study. About sixty three (63) Cobb 500 strain chicks (one day old) were used. The total 63 day old chicks were randomly distributed into three dietary treatment groups, each dietary treatment had three replications of which each replication received 21 chicks. (T0=control, T1=0.04%-clove, T2=0.08%-clove). To suit the nutritional needs of broiler chicken the experimental feed was designed to follow proper requirement of nutrition. The experiment was lasted 5 weeks. After 5 weeks of feeding the experimental diet 3 birds from each treatment group were slaughtered to measure the carcass characteristics. The amount of feed consumed, total body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved significantly (P 0.01) after clove extract was added to the chicks’ ration. When 0.04% of clove extract was added, the performance of the chickens was better than other groups. Thus, based on the result obtained from this study it can be suggested that 0.04% clove powder can be supplemented in broiler diet to obtain better growth and carcass yield.