Effect of Supplementation of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Leaf Powder on Growth Performance in Commercial Broiler

Abstract

The present study was aimed to explore the effect of supplementation of tulsi leaf powder on growth performance in commercial broilers. A total of 160, day-old chicks (Vencobb-430 strain) were used for this study purpose and divided into four groups, and each group was divided into four replications, 10 chicks in each. The group first was offered a basal diet without any supplementation, which acted as a control and the second, third and fourth group was supplemented with dried tulsi leaf powder @ 0.5, 10.0, 15 g/kg feed, respectively for the 42 days of the study period. Bodyweight and feed consumption were recorded at weekly intervals. Bodyweight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in tulsi leaf powder supplemented groups as compared to the control group at 1st and 3rd weeks of the trial period. During the 2nd and 6th weeks of study, body weight was significantly higher in T1 as compared to control but no statistical differences were observed with T2 and T3 groups. However, body weight was reported significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 and T2 groups in comparison to the control group at 4th and 5th weeks of the experimental period. Body weight gain was statistically (P<0.05) higher in the T1 group as compared to the control group from 1st to 6th weeks expect at 3rd week. Overall body weight gain at the 42nd day of experimental trail was statistically (P<0.05) higher in the T1 and T2 group as compared to control group. Feed consumption did not show any statistical differences among Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups at 1st week. However, feed consumption was reported statistically (P<0.05) different for the control, T1, T2 and T3 groups at 6th week. Feed conversion ratio was statistically (P<0.05) improved in tulsi leaf powder supplemented groups as compared to the control group during 42 days of tail period. The study was concluded that supplementation of dried tulsi leaf powder at 5g/kg feed in the broiler’s diets showed better body weight, body weight gain and improves feed conversion ratio compared to other treatment groups.