Effects of onion extracts (Allium cepa) inclusion in diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone morphometric of broiler chickens

Abstract

Animal feed companies and researchers are currently embarking on quests for feed additives that could combat the pathogens while promoting growth as well as maintaining quality products. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of onion extracts on growth performance, carcass quality, and bone morphometrics of broiler chickens. MethodsA total number of 200-day-old unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 5 treatment groups, replicated 4 times. Each replicate (pens) was holding 10 chickens in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were then randomly allotted to the pens which act as experimental units. The isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets were formulated by including onion extracts at 0, 5, 10, 15, or 25 g/kg in a complete broiler diet. Feed intake, and body weight, were recorded then used to calculate feed conversion ratio. At the end of the experiment (42 days), four chickens from each pen were randomly selected for slaughter for carcass, bone morphology and sensory evaluation. ResultsResults showed that onion extract supplentationdiets did not affect (P>0.05) growth performances and meat sensory evaluation. However, there was a significantly increased (P<0.05) meat shear force in groups receiving onion extracts dietary treatments. Furthermore, onion extracts improved (P<0.05) bone morphology of broiler chickens in terms of weight, diameter, calcium, and phosphorous contents. ConclusionA c c e p t e d A r t i c l e 3 In conclusion, onion extracts can be safely included in a commercial broiler diet as a growth promoter without causing adverse effects on growth performance traits and carcass quality in chickens. The dietary treatmentsOnion extract supplementation improved tibia bone growth and strength in broiler chickens.

Evaluation of Carcass, Growth Performance, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens Fed Additive of Onion Bulb Peel Powder

“…Performance of birds at both 4th and 8th weeks of feeding and at 100mg/kg of onion bulb peel powder (OBPP) inclusion, positively influenced feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The feeding of lower concentration of onion bulb peel powder (OBPP) improves performance of birds, a contradiction to the report of Malematja et al [24] who reported the feeding of lower concentration of onion bulb tunic powder did not improve performance of birds and that changes of improvement were only observed at higher dosage of onion extract. Also, the result of growth performance was in accordance with Goodarzi et al [25] in birds fed onion supplemented diets.…”

Effect of an Alliaceae Encapsulated Extract on Growth Performance, Gut Health, and Intestinal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Eimeria spp.

“…Several works have demonstrated that extracts and the essential oil of Allium cepa and Allium sativum improved the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as intestinal health and carcass quality in broiler chickens [9][10][11]. Likewise, blends of the genus Allium with oregano essential oil and eugenol [12], as well as organic acids [8,13], have shown benefits in broiler performance and health.…”