Abstract

APPLICATION OF FENUGREEK ESSENTIAL OIL IN BROILER DIETS

Issam Sir Elkhatim Ibrahim, Mukhtar Ahmed Mukhtar* and K. A. Mohamed

ABSTRACT

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the response of broiler chicks to diets supplemented with different levels of fenugreek essential oil as natural feed additives. 112 day old, unsexed broiler chicks, Aber acre strain, were used. Chicks were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 28 chicks in each and each treatment group was subdivided into three replicates. Group (A) was fed on control diet, groups (B, C and D) were fed on control diet supplemented with fenugreek essential oil at 200, 400 and 600mg/kg diet. The experiment parameters covered growth performance, carcass and non- carcass values, serum constituents, enzyme activities and economical appraisal. The results showed that inclusion of fenugreek essential oil at 400mg/kg significantly improved body weight, body weight gain and feed intake compared to control group. However, there were no significant effects on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality rate. The results indicated that there were no significant differences among all treatment groups in internal organs, commercial cuts; their separable tissues and the subjective and objective of meat quality parameters. The results of serum metabolites showed that inclusion of fenugreek essential oil at different levels significantly reduced the total protein, cholesterol and uric acid. However, the treatments effect on electrolytes and enzymes (SGOT and SGPT) activities were not significantly compared to control group. The result of economical evaluation of the tested essential oil showed economical benefits. All levels of fenugreek essential oil (200, 400, and 600mg/kg) recorded profitability ratio (1.03, 1.02 and 1. 7) respectively.

Keywords: Fenugreek essential oil, serum metabolite and electrolyte.