Effects of Oral Administration of Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract on the Growth Performance and Caecal Microbial Load of Broiler Chickens.

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the effect of garlic extract on the growth performance and caecal microbial load of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty (120) day-old broiler chickens were distributed to four (4) treatment groups with three (3) replicates of ten (10) birds each in a Completely Randomized Design. The Control birds on 0% garlic were administered broad spectrum antibiotics for first 3 days from day-old and for another three days at four weeks of age. The garlic extract obtained by soaking 50g of crushed garlic bulbs in 1 litre of water at room temperature for 12 hours and sieved, was given at varying levels of 5%, 10% and 15% through drinking water. The 15% inclusion level of garlic significantly (p<0.05) reduced mortality percent in broilers. The 15% garlic extract level significantly (p<0.05) increased the live weight and dress weight similar to result obtained for control birds. Garlic extracts had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the caecal microbial load of broiler chickens at finisher phase. The study concluded that 15% garlic extract aqueous inclusion significantly reduced mortality and improved liveability of broiler chickens.