Growth performance and production of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in excreta of broiler chickens fed basil (Ocimum basilicum) flour in feed

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of basil flour in feed on the growth performance and production of NH3 and H2S in excreta of broiler chickens. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design. The treatment levels of basil flour in commercial feed consisted of 4 levels: 0, 1, 2 and 3% (P0, P1, P2, P3). A total of 128 day old commercial broiler chicks were reared until 5 weeks of age in 4 groups. Each group was reared in individual pens measuring 2×3 m2. Data of performance were statistically analyzed, while data of NH3 and H2S production were analyzed descriptively. No significant differences (p>0.05) were detected in terms of feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and final body weight among various treatment groups. Highest body weight gain of 1481.7 g was achieved in the group fed 2% basil flour in feed (P2). Mortality (3.12%) was observed only in the group fed diets without basil flour (P0). NH3 production in P1, P2, P3 were lower than P0, whereas H2S production was otherwise with highest production of 1.37 ppm in P3. In conclusion, addition of basil flour in the feed of broiler chickens doesn’t improve growth performance and NH3 and H2S production in excreta were well below the safe threshold level recommended for chicken health and environment.