Effect of supplementation of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root powder as feed additive on performance and blood biochemicals of broilers

An experiment was conducted on one hundred eighty day old commercial broiler chicks (Ven Cob Strain) to study the effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root powder as feed additive on the performance and blood biochemical profile in broilers during 0–6 weeks of age. The chicks were randomly divided into three groups 60 each. All the chicks were housed in deep litter system. The experimental diets were: no feed additive (T0), 0.25 per cent Ashwagandha root powder (T1) and 0.5 per cent Ashwagandha root powder (T2). Body weight gain of T1 (567.00 g) and T2 (581.67 g) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T0 (424.17 g) at the end of trial, but the values were similar for T1 and T2. Average feed consumption did not differ among treatment. Feed conversion ratio at the end of sixth week was significantly (P<0.05) better in T1 and T2 as compared to T0. Triglyceride level (mg/dl) in T1 and T2 were significantly (P<0.05) lower than T0. However cholestrol (mg/dl), HDL (mg/dl) and total protein (g/dl) levels were similar in all the three experimental groups. It maybe concluded that the inclusion of 0.25 and 0.5 per cent level of Withania somnifera root powder in broiler ration as a herbal feed additive was beneficial in improving average weekly body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and blood biochemical profile.