Influence of combinations of fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder on production traits of the broilers.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of combinations of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), garlic (Allium sativum), and black pepper (Piper nigrum) powder supplementation on production traits of broiler chickens.


METHODS
A total of 288 commercial broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 1-9 groups with 4 replicates each. An experiment was conducted in broilers with different feed formulations; control feed, with no added fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder; and 8 treatment groups receiving feed supplemented with different combinations of fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder. The individual broilers' body weight and feed consumption were recorded and calculate the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR).


RESULTS
Broiler's weight gain and FCR were significantly higher in groups receiving feed supplemented with garlic and black pepper powder combinations (p<0.01). Cumulative feed consumption was significantly higher in groups receiving feed supplemented with garlic and black pepper powder combinations (p<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of garlic and black pepper powder supplemented broiler feed fed groups showed higher production performance. The 5 g/kg garlic powder+1 g/kg black pepper powder and 10 g/kg garlic powder+2 g/kg black pepper powder significantly improved the weight gain and FCR.
Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Erode - 638 004, Tamil Nadu, India.
A
A
Kirubakaran
Department of Poultry Science, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal - 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
M
M
Moorthy
Department of Animal Husbandry Statistics and Computer Applications, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal - 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
R
R
Chitra
Department of Poultry Science, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal - 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
G
G
Prabakar
black pepper; body weight; feed conversion ratio; fenugreek; garlic