Varying Inclusions of Piper guineense, Aframomum melegueta and their Composite in the Diets of Broiler Chickens: Effects on Growth and Antioxidative Status

Aims: To study the effects of varied levels of Piper guineense seed powder (PGSP), Aframomum melegueta seed powder (AMSP) and their composite mix on the growth and antioxidative status of broilers.

Study Design: The experiment was a completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology Akure, between September 2020 and October 2020 (6 weeks).

Methodology: This study was a completely randomized design with seven diets which were: A (control/basal), B (A + 0.25 g PGSP/kg), C (A + 0.50 g PGSP/kg), D (A+ 0.25 g AMSP/kg), E (A + 0.50 g AMSP/kg), F (A+ 0.25 g {PGSP + AMSP [1:1]/kg) and G (A + 0.50 g {AMSP + PGSP [1:1]/kg). Two hundred and ten (210) day – old unsexed Cobb 500 chicks were randomly allotted to the diets: Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 10 birds per replicate. The birds were fed ad – libitum and provided with clean water. Growth data were collected weekly and at the end of the study, 5 birds per replicates were selected for blood collection to determine the antioxidative status of the birds.

Results: There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the weekly weight gain of the birds fed 0.50 g/kg of the PGSP, AMSP and their composite. The relative growth rate was not statistically (P > 0.05) affected across all the experimental diets. The protein intakes of the birds were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced across all the treatment diets. All the antioxidant ezymes studied (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by the varied inclusion of the additives while the serum malondialdehyde concentarion was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that adding PGSP, AMSP and their composite mix up to 0.50 g/kg diet improved growth performance and enhanced the antioxidant status of the broilers.