Effect of Citrullus Colocynthis Fruit Pulp and Antibiotic Growth Promoter on Performance, Blood Biochemistry and Intestinal Microbial Count of Broilers
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating Citrullus colocynthis fruit pulp (CCFP) into the diet of broiler chickens as a replacement for antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on growth performance, blood biochemistry, and intestinal microbial count. A total of 600 unsexed Ross-308 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 6 groups using a completely randomized design. Each group had 5 replicates, with 20 chicks per replicate. The study included a control group (T1) that did not receive any CCFP or AGP supplementation. The other experimental groups were as follows: T2 (0.15 g/kg AGP, 0 g/kg CCFP), T3 (0.11 g/kg AGP, 0.75 g/kg CCFP), T4 (0.075 g/kg AGP, 1.5 g/kg CCFP), T5 (0.037 g/kg AGP, 2.25 g/kg CCFP), and T6 (0 g/kg AGP, 3 g/kg CCFP). The results indicated a reduction in feed intake (p = 0.045) in group T3 compared to the control group (T1). Blood biochemical analysis showed that group T6 had higher levels of serum total protein (p = 0.050) and globulin (p = 0.044) compared to the control group (T1). The cecal microbial count revealed a lower total bacterial count (p = 0.01) in groups T2 and T3, and a reduced E. coli count (p = 0.050) in group T3 compared to the group T5. However, the ileal microbial count showed no significant differences between treatments. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a diet containing 0.75 g/kg CCFP combined with 0.11 g/kg AGP may improve the growth of broiler chickens while maintaining a healthy microbial balance.
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $400
OpenAlex ID: W4405449653