Broiler performance and carcass characteristics as affected by graded levels of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder

Abstract

Abstract

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of cinnamon powder (0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%) on broiler performance and carcass characteristics. One hundred and sixty, 1 day-old, unsexed broiler (Ross 308) weighed (48.1 g ±1.7) were randomly assigned to 16 floor pens (1m2 each) with wood shavings. The four isocaloric and isonitrogenous starter and finisher diets were formulated according to nutrient specifications of national research council (NRC.1994). Feed intake, live body weight, body weight gain, FCR and PER were determined for each pen. At the end of the experiment (6 weeks of age) two birds from each pen were randomly selected, weighed and manually slaughtered for carcass characteristics and internal organ determination. Data were analyzed in completely randomized design using the general linear model (GLM) procedure.

Growth performance parameters except body weight gain, FCR and PER during starter phase were not significantly (P≥0.05) influenced by the dietary treatment. Body weight gain was significantly (P≤0.05) reduced for birds fed 0.50% cinnamon powder versus those fed control and 0.25%. FCR and PER for birds fed 0.50% and 0.75% cinnamon powder were significantly (P≤0.05) poorer than control.

Most of the carcass traits and internal organs weights were not significantly (P≥0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It can be concluded that inclusion of cinnamon powder up to 0.75% had no growth promoting effect on broiler chickens.