Effect of Aqueous Ginger Extract (Zingiber Officinale) on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Broiler Chickens Aged 28 Days

Abstract

A study was carried out using two hundred and forty (240) day old Marshal Broiler chicks to determine the effect of aqueous ginger extract on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. The chicks were randomly allocated to six treatments consisting of four replicate with ten birds per replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). The aqueous extract of ginger (AEG) was obtained by infusing 14 g of ground ginger into 1 litre of boiled hot water and left for 12 hours; thereafter muslin cloth was used to filter extract from residue. The treatments were 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 ml of AEG per litre of water and were tagged AEG0 mi/L AEG25 ml/L, AEG5o AEG75 mvi„ AEGioo mi/Li and AEG|25 mi/L. respectively. The treatments were administered to the birds every morning daily via drinking water. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Data obtained on growth performance and nutrient digestibility were analyzed by one way analysis of variance. Duncan’s multiple range test of the same package was used to separate the treatments means where differences existed. The results of final weight, daily weight gain, total feed consumed and daily feed consumed were influenced (P<0.05) by AEG but initial live weight and feed conversion ratio werfi not influenced (P>0.05) by the treatments. Birds on AEG performed better (P<0.05) than control. Ash digestibility of the birds on AEG was enhanced (P<0.05). However, CP, NFE, GF, EE and DM Were not influenced (P>0.05) by AEG. It was concluded that weight gain, feed consumed and ash digestibility of broiler chickens treated with AEG were positively influenced. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that poultry farmer should to use aqueous extract of ginger up to 25 ml/1 in the drinking water of broiler chickens as natural growth promoter for optimal performance of the birds. Further study should be carried out on the effect of AEG on haematological and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens.