Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Citrullus colocynthis Seeds on Performance and Carcass Yield of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of Citrullus
colocynthis seeds on the performance of broiler chickens, using diets
containing four levels of C. colocynthis seed powder (0%, 2%, 4% and
6%). Three hundred sixty males one day of age chicks (Ross strain) were
randomly allotted to four treatments with three replicates. All groups were
fed ad libitum from one day to 49 days of age. Data were analyzed
according to the completely randomized design, and Duncan’s multiple
range test was used for means comparison. Live body weight, carcass
weight and dressing percentages significantly (P≤0.05) increased as the
dietary level of C. colocynthis seeds increased. Feed intake, feed
conversion ratio and abdominal fat pad weight significantly (P≤0.05)
decreased as the dietary level of seed supplementation increased. The
group fed on 6% had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the heaviest gastrointestinal
weights (empty intestine, empty gizzard) and heart and liver weights.
Therefore, C. colocynthis seeds can be added to broiler feeds up to 6%
without adverse effects.