Summary:
The research paper titled "Effect of Feeding Garlic (Allium sativum) as Prebiotic on the Performance of Broiler Chicken" investigates the impact of garlic powder as a prebiotic on the growth performance, feed efficiency, and overall health of broiler chickens. The study focuses on determining the optimal level of garlic supplementation in the diet of broilers to maximize their performance.
Key Findings:
1. Body Weight: The study found that broilers in the T2 group (1.0% garlic powder) achieved the highest final body weight (2175.00g), followed by T3 (1.5% garlic powder), T1 (0.5% garlic powder), and the control group T0 (1904.86g). This suggests that garlic powder at a 1.0% inclusion rate significantly enhances growth performance.
2. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): The T2 group also exhibited the best FCR (1.67), indicating that chickens fed with 1.0% garlic powder utilized their feed more efficiently. This was followed by T3 (1.74), T0 (1.78), and T1 (1.80).
3. Broiler Performance Efficiency Index (BPEI) and Livability: The highest BPEI was recorded in the T2 group (130.24), indicating superior overall performance and efficiency. All groups showed 100% livability, which means no mortality occurred during the experiment, further demonstrating the safety of garlic supplementation at these levels.
4. Economic Benefits: Despite a slightly higher cost of production in the garlic-supplemented groups, the T2 group showed the highest gross profit per broiler (Rs. 51.19), making garlic supplementation at 1.0% a cost-effective strategy for poultry production.
Benefits of Feeding Garlic to Poultry:
- Enhanced Growth: Garlic, particularly at a 1.0% inclusion rate, significantly boosts the growth rate of broiler chickens, leading to higher body weights.
- Improved Feed Efficiency: The better FCR observed in garlic-supplemented groups indicates that garlic helps in more efficient feed utilization, reducing feed costs while maximizing growth.
- Stronger Immune System: Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties, which help in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota and reducing the load of harmful bacteria, thus boosting the overall immunity of the birds.
- Economic Viability: The use of garlic as a feed additive not only improves performance but also enhances profitability due to increased body weight and better FCR.
- No Adverse Effects on Livability: The study reported no negative impact on the survival rate of the birds, indicating that garlic is a safe feed additive when used at appropriate levels.
In conclusion, feeding garlic to poultry, especially at a 1.0% inclusion rate, is beneficial as it improves growth performance, feed efficiency, and overall economic returns, while also enhancing the health and well-being of the birds.
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