Impact of Combination of Phytogenic Plant Sources on Growth Performance and Cost Evaluation of Broiler Finisher Birds

Background and objective: The interest in plant feed additives has grown over the last decade as their usage continues to increase across the nation. Some of the beneficial effects of these bioactive plant substances in animal nutrition may include the reduction of microbial threat and promotion of intestinal health, which is imperative for optimal performance and profitability. The impact of a combination of phytogenic plant sources on growth performance and cost evaluation of broiler finisher birds formed the root of the current research work. Materials and Methods: The 120, 4 weeks old broiler birds were used for the research work. The birds were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 8 birds per replicate. The 5 different diets were formulated such that treatment 1 served as the control, while treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained lemon grass leaf meal and black plum leaf meal at the levels and ratios of 1:4, 2:3, 3:2 and 4:1, respectively. The chemical composition of the lemon grass leaf and black plum leaf meal was carried out. Feed and water were given ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Results: Birds in treatment 4 were superior (p<0.05) with values of 3018.98, 1572.19, 4246.85 g and 2.70 corresponding to final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Dietary effect on cost evaluation revealed a higher net profit and better cost-benefit ratio of #1676.84 and 2.06 in treatment 4. In contrast, the least values for the same parameters of net profit and cost-benefit ratio were reported in treatment 1 with #987.20 and 3.30, respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that a combination of lemon grass and black plum leaf meal is viable with positive results in terms of performance and profit attainment, with the higher value obtained in treatment 4 specifically.