Effects of Echinaceapurpurea and Nigella sativa supplementation on broiler performance, carcass and meat quality

Abstract

Present experiment was performed to study the effects of Echinaceapurpurea (EP) and Nigella sativa (NS) on broiler performance, carcass and meat quality. Four treatment combinations were prepared: C - control group without any feed or water additive; E - drinking water intermittently supplemented with fermented juice of EP; N - feed supplemented with grounded seeds of NS, and EN - drinking water intermittently supplemented with EP and feed supplemented with NS. No significant treatment effect was observed on weight gain, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and abdominal fat percentage. Carcass yield in C and N groups was significantly (P<0.05) higher than in E. Significantly (P<0.05) higher breast percentage in group N was observed. Crude protein contents were significantly (P<0.05) higher in meat samples of C and EN groups. Grill losses were significantly (P<0.05) lower in E and cooking losses were significantly (P<0.05) higher in N treated birds. No significant treatment effect was observed on meat colour, electrical conductivity and shear force value.