EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF POMERGRANATE PEEL POWDER (Punica grantum) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKS

Abstract

: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different levels of pomegranate peel powder (Punica grantum) supplemented diet on productive performance, protein profile and carcass characters of broiler chicks. A total of 180 unsexed broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) at age of seven-day-old chicks were randomly divided into 5 treatments (36 chicks each) divided into 6 replicates (each replicate of 6 chicks). The first group fed the basal diet (control); while the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50 % pomegranate peel powder, respectively. Data revealed that treatments groups with supplemented different levels of pomegranate peel powder had greater productive performance, compared to the control group. All treatments with different levels of pomegranate peel powder were increased total protein, globulin, RBC's, Hb, PCV, WBC's, lymphocyte and dressing while, decreased abdominal fat, AST, ALT compared to the control group (within normal range). In conclusion, it can be considered that pomegranate peel powder supplementation of diet improved the growth performance and physiological status of broiler without any adverse effects on blood parameters of broiler chicks.