Phytotherapic Potentials of Xylopia aethiopica Dried Fruits (Grains of Selim) as Additive in Broiler Production

Abstract

Xylopia aethiopica dried fruits (grains of selim) as an additive in starter broilers production was investigated. For this purpose, a total of 195-day old broiler chicks (Arbor acres) were randomly allocated into five treatments groups with 39 chicks and three replicates of 13 chicks in each. Blended grains of selim was given through drinking water on treatments T2, T3, T4 and T5 at concentrations of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 g/L, while chicks on treatment T1 (control) received antibiotics (Doxy-gen 20/20 WSP: Doxycycline hyclate 200 mg and Gentamicine sulfate 200 mg) at 0.3 g/L of water. All the experimental chicks were fed ad libitum with diet containing 23% crude protein and 2,851.55 kcal/kg metabolizable energy for 28 d. The results revealed that there were similarities (P > 0.05) in final body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, total feed intake, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the treatments. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in the microbial count of faeces before the birds received antibiotics and grains of selim, but count were similar (P > 0.05) after grains of selim and antibiotics were administered. Cost of total feed consumed, cost of per kg feed and cost of per kg weight were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treatment T1, but cost differential and relative cost benefit were similar (P > 0.05). Results indicate that grains of selim have antimicrobial and anthelminthic properties, and promote growth in broiler chickens.