Comparative studies on garlic bulb, virginiamycin, copper sulfate and citric acid as growth promoters in broiler chicks diet [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of garlic bulb as natural antimicrobial agents in improving the performance of broiler chicks compared to that of other antimicrobial growth promoters, virginiamycin, copper sulfate and citric acid. The effect on small intestine thickness, pH value of ileal content, some blood constituents and some internal organs were also, examined. One hundred and fifty unsexed day old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were fed on basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg copper sulfate, 20 mg/kg virginiamycin, 6 g/kg citric acid or 15g/kg garlic bulb, while the fifth group was fed the control basal diet. The result indicated that, average body gain was improved by 13%,15%,13% and 6% due to adding copper sulfate, virginiamycin, citric acid or garlic bulb to the diets respectively. Feed consumption values were significantly affected by including copper sulfate, virginiamycin or citric acid to the broiler diets. Feed efficiency ratio wasn't affected significantly by feeding diets supplemented with the different feed additives, however virginiamycin-supplemented diet tend to enhance feed efficiency ratio.

Summary in Arabic.

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