Evaluation of a plant extracts based feed intake stimulant additive in the diet of female broiler chickens.

At hatching, the digestive system of chicks is anatomically immature, and feed intake is a critical stimulus for the development of digestive tract (Dibner,1997). It is recommended to stimulate chicken growth during the first week that lead to immune system and cellular capacity of pectoral muscle developments (Bigot et al, 2001).

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of a plant extracts based additive designed to stimulate animal voluntary feed intake, during the first week of breeding of female broiler chickens. 

The trial was conducted in the experimental aviary Farm School of State University of Londrina (Brazil). One hundred and seventy six one-day-old Cobb female broiler chickens were divided following a completely randomized design in 2 homogeneous groups of 4 replicate pens. Each pen contained 22 birds. The birds were given pre-starter feed for 1-7 d (22 % CP, 3000 kcal/kg ME).The two treatments consisted in providing Optifeed® (Laboratoires Phodé, France) at the level of 500g/t from 1 to 7 d (treated group), or no product (Control group). The chickens were weighed at 7 days. Feed intake and feed conversion were evaluated for each pen and each group at weighing time. Dead birds were recorded daily. Results were submitted to analysis of variance, except viability that was analyzed using chi-square test. 

Results are presented in table 1.

 

Table 1: Live-weight, feed intake, FCR and viability.

After one week of trial, the average live-weight of chickens that received the starter feed supplemented with the feed intake stimulant additive was significantly higher than that one of the control group (200 vs 188 g, P<0.05, respectively). During this first week, feed intake was improved significantly by the tested additive by 9.2 % compared to control (P<0.05). Feed conversion was similar in both groups (P>0.05). 

In this trial the tested feed additive allowed to improve growth performances of female broiler chicken when administered during the first week.

The use of the feed intake stimulant additive during the first week of breeding improves feed intake and results in an increase in live weight. The tested additive could be used in pre-starter or starter feed, with probable positive consequences on immune system efficiency, pectoral muscle developments, and group homogeneity, to be measured in further trials. 

Dibner JJ 1997. Poult. Digest August:16-19.

Bigot K et al. 2001.INRA Prod. Anim.14 (4):219-230.