Effect of feeding mint (Mentha spicata) and Indian bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala) on performance, carcass traits and nutrient utilization in broiler chicks

A six-week study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of mint powder and Indian bay leaf powder alone and in combination on performance, carcass traits and nutrient utilization in broiler chicks. Three hundred chicks were equally and randomly divided into ten dietary treatment groups having two replicates in each. The T₁ i.e. control group was fed on basal diet while T₂, T₃ and T₄ groups have 0.50%, 1.0% and 1.50% of mint powder and T₅, T₆ and T₇ groups have Indian bay leaf powder @ 0.50%, 1.0% and 1.50% levels, respectively. T₈, T₉ and T treatment groups were supplemented with 0.25%, 0.50% & 0.75% of both the herbs. Results indicated the inclusion of herbal feed additive alone and in combination increased feed intake (P<0.05) and body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and performance index (P<0.01) as compared to control. Body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and performance index were highest in T₇ treatment group i.e. group supplemented with 1.5% level of Indian bay leaf powder. Similarly, the metabolizability of dry matter (P<0.05) and crude protein (P<0.01) also increase significantly on supplementation of these herbs alone and in combination. However, no effect was recorded on the protein efficiency ratio; dressed weight percent, eviscerated yield percent and percent yield of giblet, heart, liver and gizzard. Thus, it can be concluded that the supplementation of herbs in broiler feed has increased performance. Further, Indian bay leaf powder at 1.5% level could be suggested for the best broiler performance.