The effect of virginiamycin and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) extract on performance of broiler chicks.

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to determine the effect of virginiamycin and black pepper extract on performance of broiler chicks. A total of 240 day old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were divided into three groups. Treatment diets were basal diet (T1), basal diet with 200 g/ton virginiamycin powder (T2) and basal diet with 2 mg/ml black pepper aqueous extract (T3). Data was collected on feed intake, body weight gains and feed conversion ratio. Blood samples were analyzed for triglyceride, HDL, LDL and antibody titre against Newcastle disease vaccine. In addition, intestinal microbial populations for Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus (Cfu/g) were also investigated. The results showed that carcass characteristics improved significantly (P<0.05) in T2 and T3. Serum cholesterol profile and antibody titre improved in experimental diets (P<0.05) compared to the control. The intestinal population of E. coli decreased and Lactobacillus increased significantly in treated groups. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of black pepper produced better results compared to control and virginiamycin treatment.