Response Of Finisher Broilers To Antibiotic and Enzyme-supplemented Diets

Abstract

A 28 – day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of finisher broilers to antibiotic (neocloxin) and enzyme (Roxazyme G) supplemented diets. Three experimental diets were formulated such that diet 1 had neither enzyme nor antibiotic supplementation. Diets 2 and 3 contained antibiotic and enzyme supplementation at 200mg/kg respectively. 72 5-week-old Anak broilers were randomly assigned to the three treatment diets in a Completely Randomized Design and each treatment was replicated thrice. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Measurement recorded included feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Result showed significant variations (P < 0.05) among the groups in all the measurements. Birds on T₃ diet recorded the highest (P < 0.05) weight gain. While birds on T₂ diet gained significantly (P < 0.05) higher weight than those on T₁ diet. Birds on T₃ recorded the best (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio. The feed conversion ratio of the birds on T₂ was significantly superior (P < 0.05) to those on T₁ diet. Birds on T₃ consumed significantly (P < 0.05) lower feed than the birds on T₁ and T₂ diets. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between the feed intake of birds on T₁ and T₂ diets. Results of the trial suggest that neocloxin and Roxazyme G enzyme could be incorporated in broiler finisher diet as growth enhancers since they positively affected the performance of the birds.

Key words: Finisher broilers, antibiotic, enzyme, performance, growth enhancers.

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol.2(2) 2004: 35-44