Effect of Different Levels of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Powder on Performance of Kuroiler Chicks
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Date
2022
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Abstract
The present study was conducted to observe the effect of different
levels of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder on the
performance of Kuroiler chicks. One hundred twenty unsexed Kuroiler
chicks (day old) were used on a completely randomized design in 4
treatments with 3 replicates, each consisting of 10 chicks. The treatments
included the control group (T1) fed with chick starter feed and other groups
were kept on basal diet mixed with Ashwagandha root powder @ 0.5%,
1.0% and 1.5% in T2, T3 and T4, respectively. All other management
practices were followed as per recommendation during the experimental
period of 56 days. The feed intake and body weight of chicks was
recorded at weekly intervals for further analysis.
The average body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed
conversion ratio, performance index, protein efficiency and energy
efficiency ratio were significantly higher in T3 group (ARP @ 1.0%) than
all other treatments. The feeding of Ashwagandha as a feed additive has
not shown any significant effect on mortality rate of Kuroiler chicks. The
mortality during the experimental period of 56 days was 5.83%.
The highest Benefit cost ratio (1.81) was observed in T3 group
followed by T2 (1.78), T1 (1.71) and T4 (1.58). Thus, it can be concluded
that, the supplementation of Ashwagandha at 1.0% level was found
beneficial in improving body weight, weight gain, feed conversion,
protein efficiency and energy efficiency ratio. It can also be concluded
that Ashwagandha can be used as efficient, effective and economical
alternative to chemical growth promoters in poultry industry.
* A post graduate agriculture student, Department of Livestock Producti