Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Chili (Capsicun annuum L.) Leaf Powder on Haemato-Biochemical Profile and Profitability of Rhode Island Red Laying Hens

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary incorporation of chili (Capsicum annuum L.)  leaf powder on  haemato- biochemical  profile  and  profitability  of   Rhode Island Red laying hens. Rhode Island Red laying hens were individually weighed and then randomly assigned into four treatment groups with three replicates of 6 birds each. Treatments were arranged into- T1: (control, containing basal diet); T2: inclusion of 0.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet; T3: inclusion of 1.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet; T4: inclusion of 2.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet.  Data was analyzed with one way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range test was used for multiple comparisons using SPSS. Our results indicate that the haemato-biochemical parameters were not significantly affected by the inclusion levels of chili leaf powder. The average feed intake was found to be significantly (P ≤0.05) lowered in T4 group followed by T3, T1 and T2 group. Significantly (P ≤0.05) reduced average feed cost/dozen eggs was observed in T4 treatment group (2.5% CLP) as compared to T3, T1 and T2 group. It can be concluded that chili leaf powder up to the level of  2.5% incorporation in the basal diet has beneficial effects in the RIR laying hens as it reduces average feed cost/dozen eggs. Future research should focus on production performance and  formulation optimization to enhance its practical utility in sustainable poultry production.