Effect of Ocimium basilicum (Curry Leaf) on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken at Varying Inclusion Levels

Abstract

The study Effect of Ocimium basilicum (curry leaf) on the growth performance of broiler chicken at varying inclusion levels was investigated for seven weeks. Fresh leaf of Ocimum basilicum were harvested from a farm at Nibo in Awka south L.G.A of Anambra state. They were dried and ground into fine powder, sieved and included in different proportions in their meal. A total of Twenty-four (24) broiler chicks with an average initial weight of 0.50g - 0.70g and between 4 weeks old, were allotted into four treatments for seven (7) weeks. Each treatment had 3 chicks per cage and two replicate in a completely randomized design. The study was carried out at the Animal House of the Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Feed utilization indices (Weight gain, Percentage weight gain, Feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate) were monitored. The broiler chicks were fed with the following rations: T1 was fed with 10g of Ocimum basilicum and 190g of basal feed (vital feed), T2 was fed with 15g Ocimum basilicum diet and  185g basal diet, T3 was fed with 20g of Ocimum basilicum diet and 180g basal diet and T4 was fed with the 200g of the basal diet(vital feed).The results showed that supplementation with Ocimum basilicum significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance compared with the control group. Birds fed the diet containing 20 g of Ocimum basilicum (2966.67±85.48) recorded the highest body weight gain, feed intake, and best feed conversion ratio, followed by those fed the 15 g of Ocimum basilicum(2566±56.45). The control group (2075±115.02) showed the lowest performance values. The study suggests that Ocimum basilicum leaf powder can be used as a natural feed additive to enhance the growth performance of broiler chickens. There was a significant (P< 0.05) difference between the different inclusions of Ocimum basilicum. In conclusion Ocimum basilicum containing 20 g of Ocimum basilicum (2966.67±85.48) as a feed additive can be used to improve the growth performance of broiler chicks.