Effect of Supplementing Different Levels of Okra Seed (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Blood Parameters and Gut Microbial Populations in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seed powder (OSP) in diets on performance, carcass characteristics, some blood parameters, and gut microbial populations in broiler chickens. For the present experiment, 216 day old chicks were randomly divided into four groups, each group consisting three replicates of 18 chicks in a completely randomized design. Four diets were formulated with diet 1 as the basal diet (control), while 2, 3, and 4 were supplemented with OSP at 1, 2 and 4 %, respectively. The results revealed that the highest final live body weight, accumulative weight gain, and better feed conversion ratio was achieved in birds fed with 1 or 2 % of OSP. Feed intake and carcass characteristics were similar among groups. The highest relative weight of the spleen and cecum was observed in the control group, while the lowest value was observed in birds fed with 4% and 2% OSP, respectively. The longest length of the gastrointestinal tract was seen in 2% OSP compared to other groups. Serum cholesterol and ALT activity were decreased as compared to control diets. The group fed with 2 % OSP showed higher albumin levels compared to those fed with 1% of OSP. The population of total bacteria and Escherichia coli in jejunum digesta of OSP supplemented broiler chickens was reduced, meanwhile, there was an increased in lactic acid bacteria counts as compared to control. Therefore, 1 and 2 % okra seed powder in the diet of broiler chickens was able to improve the growth performance.