Evaluation of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum Glaucum (L.) R.BR.) and Garlic Meal (Allium Sativum L.) on Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of Broiler Chicks

摘要

An experimental research was carried out to evaluate the effect of pearl millet as an energy source and garlic meal as an additive on the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of broiler chicks. A total of 60 three-week old broiler chicks were used in the experiment. The broiler chicks were randomly selected into four experimental groups of five birds in each cage. Each treatment was composed of three replicates over a period of 10 weeks in a completely randomized design. The control group (group A or T1) were fed diet without any replacement and supplementation (basal diet); group B (T2) were fed diet containing pearl millet (replacing maize totally) without any supplementary garlic meal; group C (T3) were fed diet containing supplementary garlic meal at 2.0g/100g of diet; group D (T4) were fed diet containing pearl millet (replacing maize totally) and supplementary garlic meal at 2.0g/100g of diet. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P<0.05 level of significance. The results showed that diet T1 contained 2861.28ME kcal/kg, diet T2 contained 2605.92ME kcal/kg, diet T3 contained 2843.48ME kcal/kg and diet T4 contained 2588.12ME kcal/kg. Highest PCV gain was recorded in group D (16.79%) followed by group B (12.65%) while the least was recorded in group C (10.16%). It is therefore concluded that the total replacement of maize with pearl millet and inclusion of garlic meal as an additive may be used for economical and efficient production of broilers.