Studies on the Effect of Probiotic and Phytogenic Feed Additives on Health and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens at High Altitude

Abstract

Identification of suitable broilers breed having more adaptability to hypoxic and cold conditions and development of novel feed additives for better growth of broilers are need of the hour for the development of poultry industry at high altitude. In the current study, first experimental trial was performed to recognize appropriate broiler breed for high altitude. Among the different broiler breeds, the RIR cross-bred chickens had shown better growth rate and survivability. In second experimental trial, probiotic efficacy was evaluated on performance of RIR cross-bred chickens. The results revealed no improvement in body weight gain however probiotic reduces the mortality rate. Thereafter, hydro-ethanolic extract of R. imbricata roots, and aqueous extract of H. rhamnoides fruits, S. alba leaves and P. armeniaca seeds were phytochemically characterized for their utilization in development of new feed additives in poultry. The efficacy of all phytoextracts was evaluated for different physio-biochemical indices, growth performance, and broilers survivability. These studies indicated significant effect of these phytoextracts on weight gain and physio-biochemical indices at different dose concentrations. Among the different dose level, 400 mg/kg body weight of chicken, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg of R. imbricata, H. rhamnoides, S. alba, and P. armeniaca, respectively has shown better effect on weight gain and physio-biochemical parameters. At the last, three formulations were developed. The freshly prepared formulations were F1 (contains, H. rhamnoides at 200mg/kg, S. alba at 200mg/kg and P. armeniaca at 100mg/kg), F2 (H. rhamnoides at 100mg/kg, S. alba at 300mg/kg, and P. armeniaca at 100mg/kg), and F3 (H. rhamnoides at 100mg, S. alba at 200mg/kg, and P. armeniaca at 200mg/kg). Thereafter, these feed additives were compared with commercially available feed additives. Among the three formulations, the formulation F1 has shown better effects and therefore, selected for the preparation of phytogenic feed additive product.