The Effects of Adding Juniper Berry in Broiler Diets on Performance, Parameters of Serum, Carcass, Histopathology and Jejunum Villi Lengths

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of adding fruit of juniper berry (Juniperus communis) on performance, some carcass characteristics, serum parameters, histopathological features and jejunum villi lengths in broiler diets. A total of 150 male chicks were used in the study. The chicks were housed for 42 days. One of the experimental groups was a control group, and the diets of the 4 treatment groups included 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% dried natural juniper berries, respectively. Addition of fruit of juniper berry to the diets had positive effects on body weight, average daily weight gain, feed conversion rate and slaughter weight, feed intake, hot carcass yield and serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Juniper berry addition in the diets also increased the length of the jejunum villi. As a result, it can be recommended to add up to 1% of juniper berry in broiler diet.(AU)