CHAPTER
ONE
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
of the Study
Feed additives are used in poultry
feed to improve nutritive value and enhance performance (Hauda et al, 2008). Antibiotics are used in
broiler rations to improve productivity but have negative effects on animal and
human health. Therefore, the use of antibiotic as a growth promoters has not
been encouraged (Castanon, 2007). Phytogenic feed additives have shown promising
effects with regard to weight gain, feed efficiency, lowered mortality and
increased viability in poultry (Ahmad and Khan, 2008). Aromatic plants and
essential oil extracted from them have been used as alternatives to
antibiotics. For this reason, these plants are gaining more relevance due to
their growth promoting and antimicrobial effect on animal health (Al-Kassie,
2009).
Garlic (Allium sativum) is widely distributed, grown in various parts of
the world and is commonly used in the food industry because of its special
aroma (Amagase et al., 2001). Garlic
has a great impact on haematological parameters status of poultry
(Oleforuh-okoleh et al., 2015). It is
an important spice in traditional cooking in the Indian sub-continent, and is
cheap and widely available (Huda et al.,
2008).
Amagase et al. (2001) & Demir et
al. (2003) stated that improvement of broiler performance and carcass
merits can be achieved by supplementation of diets with garlic powder. Lewis et al., (2003) showed that addition of
plant ex-tracts to broilers’ diet has some effects on performance and microbial
activity of intestinal tract but, none of them were significant. Moreover, Cho et al. (2006) concluded that allicin (organosulfur compound obtained from garlic) has
immune stimulatory effect on birds. Demir et
al., (2003) attributed the strong stimulating effect of garlic to the
immune system of broilers primarily to the bioactive components of garlic
together with sulphur containing compounds such as alliin and allicin that help
to enhance growth performance of broiler birds. This study is designed to
evaluate garlic extract as a safe growth promoting agent in broiler chickens.
1.2 Objectives of the study
The
objectives of this study are;
i.
to evaluate the carcass characteristics
of broiler chicken placed garlic extract additive.
ii.
to determine the growth performance of garlic
extract on performance of broiler chickens.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Poultry production in Nigeria,
especially the South-East State are
faced with various challenges ranging from diseases attack, poor productivity
inadequate vitamins and low percentage concentration of feed ingredient as well
as poor management practices. Sometimes such health challenges could even lead
to the death of animals. Some disorders have considerable effects on blood parameters
in animals generally. It has however, compromised the quality of meat supplied
and placed farmers on unwarranted circumstances of input waste with low protein
supply.
1.3 Justification
of the study
Garlic supplements in broiler chicken
have been recognized for their strong stimulating effect on the immune system
and the very rich aromatic oils enhance digestion of birds (Gardzielewska et al., 2003). Therefore, Feed additives such as garlic
extracts are used in poultry feed to improve nutritive value and enhance
performance because it possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic,
antiviral, antioxidant characteristics (Hanieh, et al., 2010). However, there is dearth of convincing studies on
quantity and form of supplementary garlic in broiler nutrition.