Effect of Using Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) in ration on some productive and physiological characteristics of broiler chicken

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using different dietary levels of fenugreek seeds (0 , 1 , 2 & 3 %) on broiler performance, glucose and cholesterol levels in blood plasma. One hundred and eighty, one-day old broiler chicks were allocated into four treatment groups with three replicates each one (15chicks/replicate).Result showed a significant decrease in body weight and weight gain of chicks at 28 and 49 days of age, while a feed consumption increased sighificantly (p<0.05)with raising of the levels of fenugreek.Feed efficiency improved with decreasing fenugreek levels in the ration. The best efficiency was attained in the control group.There were no significant differences among treatment groups in percent weight of carcass pecies (thigh , drum stick , back and neck) but there were a significant decrease in the percent weights of breast and wings when using different fenugreek levels . Glucose and cholesterol levels in blood plasma (mg/100ml plasma) decreased significantly with increasing fenugreek levels in rations. It was concluded that using 1% fenugreek in broiler rations would warrant good performance and decrease glucose and cholesterol levels in blood plasma.