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Effects of onion extracts (Allium cepa) inclusion in diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone morphometric of broiler chickens |
Emmanuel Malematja1 
, T.G. Manyelo1
, J.W. Ng’ambi1,*
, M.F.D. Nemauluma1
, S.D. Felicia Kolobe1
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Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa |
Correspondence:
J.W. Ng’ambi,Email: grace.manyelo@ul.ac.za
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Received: 15 October 2022 • Revised: 26 January 2023 • Accepted: 31 January 2023 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
Animal feed companies and researchers are currently embarking on quests for feed additives that could combat the pathogens while promoting growth as well as maintaining quality products. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of onion extracts on growth performance, carcass quality, and bone morphometrics of broiler chickens.
Methods
A total number of 200-day-old unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 5 treatment groups, replicated 4 times. Each replicate (pens) was holding 10 chickens in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were then randomly allotted to the pens which act as experimental units. The isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets were formulated by including onion extracts at 0, 5, 10, 15, or 25 g/kg in a complete broiler diet. Feed intake, and body weight, were recorded then used to calculate feed conversion ratio. At the end of the experiment (42 days), four chickens from each pen were randomly selected for slaughter for carcass, bone morphology and sensory evaluation.
Results
Results showed that onion extract supplentation did not affect (P>0.05) growth performances and meat sensory evaluation. However, there was a significantly increased (P<0.05) meat shear force in groups receiving onion extracts dietary treatments. Furthermore, onion extracts improved (P<0.05) bone morphology of broiler chickens in terms of weight, diameter, calcium, and phosphorous contents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, onion extracts can be safely included in a commercial broiler diet as a growth promoter without causing adverse effects on growth performance traits and carcass quality in chickens. Onion extract supplementation improved tibia bone growth and strength in broiler chickens.
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| Keywords:
Bone Morphology; Broiler Chickens; Carcass Characteristics; Growth Performance; Onion; Sensory Evaluation |
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