Abstract

Aim: Purpose of the study was to determine the effect of including dietary white ginseng root meal (WGRM) at different levels on the growth performance, fatty acid profiles and serum biochemistry of broiler birds.

Method and materials: Total 180 days-old chicks (Cobb 500), with equal numbers of males and females, were used for the study. The birds were carefully divided into five treatments and assigned to five treatment diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) as follows: T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5. Each dietary treatment consisted of three replicates, each containing twelve birds (six males and six females). The replacement levels were 0% WGRM for T1, Oxytetracycline (15g/20L) for T2, (0.2% WGRM for T3, 0.4% WGRM for T4, and 0.6% WGRM for T5). After eight weeks of rearing, blood samples were collected and analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglyceride, ALT and AST.

Results: Results showed significant differences in body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality rate of the male birds fed diet T4 and T5 containing 0.4% and 0.6% WGRM respectively. The fatty acid profiles showed that there was a significant (P<0.05) difference in HDL of female birds merely with the highest value seen in T2 (53.10 ± 2.408) and the lowest value seen in T1 (38.44 ± 6.496). Serum biochemistry showed no significant (P>0.05) difference between ALT and AST in both male and female.

Conclusion: It was concluded that white ginseng inclusion at 0.4% and 0.6% diet enhanced growth performance, reduced mortality and fatty acids profiles and serum biochemistry of broiler birds. White ginseng root meal represents a promising phytogenic additive for sustainable broiler production, potentially contributing to healthier meat products and improved economic returns for farmers.

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