Evaluation of Capsicum frutescens powder effects on the growth performances, biochemical and hematological parameters in Hubbard broiler.

Growth promoters are widely used in poultry farming. However, this practice is a potential risk of microbial resistances and eventually can have harmful effects on human health. For that, the search of alternative solutions knows an increasing interest. The spices, owing to their multiple properties, are potentials growth promoters for poultry. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Capsicum frutescens supplementation on growth performances, hematological and biochemical parameters and on the carcass of broilers. A total of 200 (Hubbard) day old chicks with an initial average weight of 49.63±3.74 g were used in this study. They were randomly divided into 5 different groups (P0; P5; P5’; P10 and P10’) with 4 repetitions. P0 (control group which received basal diet); P5 (basal diet plus pepper at 0.5% for one month); P5' (basal diet plus pepper at 0.5% pepper for 2 months) P10 (basal diet plus pepper at 1% for one month) and P10' (basal diet plus 1% pepper for 2 months). The experiments lasted 56 days. Apparent digestibility of dry matter varied from 73.5 ± 1.28% to 74.95 ± 1.28% but not significantly different (p>0.05). Feed consumption, the final body weight average and the feed conversion ratio were similar for all groups. The blood glucose level was reduced by the pepper supplementation (p<0,001). It was higher for P0 (2.58±0.02 mmol/l). Creatinin, cholesterol level and the hematological parameters, except leucocytes number, were not modified (p>0.05). In conclusion, although the chickens did not reject food supplemented with Capsicum frutescens powder, it’s effects were not perceptible on growth performances. However, the lowering effect of this spice on blood glucose level was proved in this study.

Effects of substitution of pellet of Moringa oleifera to commercial feed on rabbit’s digestion, growth performance and carcass trait.

A Seventy day feeding trial was carried out to determine the effect of dietary pellets of Moringa oleifera leaves (PML) on digestibly, weight gain and carcass trait of growing rabbits. Solar drying of M. Oleifera leaves is carried out before its transformation in pellets for the conservation of raw material. The PML were substituted to the commercial feed at level of 0, 10 and 15% to formulate diets of PML0 (control), PML10 and PML15 respectively. Forty five growing rabbits, 35-55 days of age, were allocated to three treatment groups with five replicates in a completely randomized design. Pellets of M. oleifera were completely consumed. Digestibility of crude proteins was higher (p <0.05) for diets PML10 (75%) and R15 (70.5%). The best weight gains and feed conversion ratios were obtained in rabbits fed PML10 and PML15 diets respectively for 4.43: 1 and 4.63: 1. The rabbit’s carcass yield ranged from 60.6 to 64.5%. Pellets of M. oleifera can be substituted at a level of 15% to the commercial feed with a positive effect on weight gains and carcass characteristics of rabbits. The rabbit’s meat of this type of feed ingredient present a good sensory quality.