Author(s): VK Munde, DG Singare, PM Kekan, SN Rindhe, SV Londhe, MG Nikam and DP Patil

Abstract: The study utilized one hundred and eighty- day-old commercial broiler chicks of the Ven Cobb Strain. They were divided into four experimental groups: a control group and three treatment groups, with each group having three replicates consisting of fifteen chicks each. The chicks were housed in floor pens with ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the duration of the trial. Four experimental diets were formulated: T₀, representing the standard broiler ration; T₁, incorporating 0.5% ginger powder; T₂, containing 1% ginger powder; and T₃, comprising 1.5% ginger powder. These dietary formulations were prepared in accordance with the standards outlined in the Bureau of Indian Standards (1992). The investigation revealed no significant differences in blood haemoglobin and erythrocyte count among the experimental groups. The white blood cell (WBC) count was recorded as 17.25, 25.05, 27.40, and 23.55 x 103/µl in the T₀, T₁, T₂, and T₃ groups respectively. Broilers in the T₂ group exhibited significantly higher packed cell volume (PCV %) compared to the T₀, T₁, and T₃ groups (p<0.05). Additionally, the T₂ group demonstrated significantly lower cholesterol content compared to the T₀, T₁, and T₃ groups (p<0.05). Serum triglyceride levels were significantly lower in the T₁ group (25.76 mg/dl) followed by T₀ (77.17 mg/dl), T₂ (62.82 mg/dl), and highest in the T₃ group (92.39 mg/dl) (p<0.05). The cost of feed per kilogram of live weight gain was highest for the T₃ group (Rs. 51.37), followed by T₀ (Rs. 48.13), T₁ (Rs. 46.54), and lowest for the T₂ group (Rs. 46.23). The net profit per bird was highest in the T₂ group (Rs. 29.70), followed by T₁ (Rs. 27.83), T₀ (Rs. 21.49), and lowest in the T₃ group (Rs. 17.11). Thus, it can be concluded that incorporating one percent ginger powder in the broiler diet enhances overall performance and profitability.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i3Sb.698