Effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) powders on the growth performance and haematology of broiler chickens

Abstract

Antibiotics have been in use as growth promoters and chemotherapeutics over the years in poultry production. This leaves antibiotic resistance in the microorganisms which invariably is transferred to animal and human end users of poultry. However, medicinal plants can substitute the orthodox antibiotics since they are less likely to constitute antibiotic resistance. Therefore, eight-week study was carried out to assess the effects of garlic and ginger on the growth and haematology of broilers. Ninety-nine day-old Abor-acre chicks were allotted in completely randomized design to three treatments of T1 (control), T2 (1% garlic) and T3 (1% ginger). Each treatment was replicated thrice with 11 chicks per replicate. Acclimatization to the environment lasted for 2 weeks. The birds received the experimental diets for 8 weeks during which growth performance parameters were measured and blood was collected from any three birds per replicate for haematology. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test. The results showed weight gain, FCR and mortality being significant (p>0.05) in T3 and T2 but differed (p<0.05) from T1. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in feed intake. The T3 and T2 were statistically similar (p>0.05) but differed (p<0.05) from T1 with respect to PCV, Hb, TWBC, neutrophil and MCHC. They were significant differences (p<0.05) in RBC. Generally, the T3 outperformed the rest of the groups in growth and haematology. It can be concluded that garlic and ginger at inclusion levels of 1 % apiece enhanced the growth and haematology.