Evaluation of oil fortified with herbs on performance of broilers

The trial was conducted on 200 day-old broiler chicks for period of five weeks to evaluate oil fortified with herbs on performance of broilers. The day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided in to four equal groups viz, A, B, C and D. Group A received diet containing oil (Synthetic fat), group B and C received diet containing oil (fortified synthetic fat). Group D received diet containing oil (fortified synthetic fat) + 10% reduction in broiler premix (containing vitamins and minerals) and choline chloride. The ME contribution from oil used in groups A and B was considered as 8700kcal/kg and for groups C and D was 9000kacl/kg. It was noticed that birds from group recorded highest live weight as well as gain in weight followed by birds from groups A and B. The birds from groups C, A and B recorded marginally better live weight and gain in weight than group D. The birds from group B recorded lowest feed consumption which was closely followed by birds from groups A and C. However, the differences in feed consumption among different groups were statistically non-significant. The birds from group B were most efficient in feed utilization and it was followed by the birds from groups C and A. Statistical analysis revealed non-significant differences in feed conversion ratio among different groups. Metabolic trial indicates that fortification of oil with herbs increases digestibility coefficient of fat. Economics of the production indicates that fortification of oil helps the farmer to gain more profit. Thus it is concluded that supplementation of oil with or without fortifications in broiler diets is beneficial for overall improvement in growth performance. However, fortification of oil with herbs does not compensated for the reduced levels of nutrients.