Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Performance, Hemato-biochemical Parameters and Economics of Broiler Production

This study was conducted to assess the ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) as a phytogenic herbal growth promoter in broiler chickens. Day-old commercial broiler chicks (n=250) were distributed equally into five groups of 50 chicks each and further subdivided into five replicates The chicks were placed into five dietary treatments-basal diet without any supplements (NCON) or with antibiotic (PCON), ashwagandha at 0.5% (WS-0.5), 1.0% (WS-1.0) and 1.5% (WS-1.5) levels. The effect of these supplements on feed intake, weight gain, FCR, hemato-biochemical parameters, carcass characteristics and on economic return was assessed in a six week study. After six week WS-0.5 and PCON groups showed significantly (P<0.05) higher weight gain and growth rate than NCON group The FCR of PCON and WS-0.5 group broilers were incomparable, while weight gain, growth rate and PI were highest in WS-0.5 group broilers. Ashwagandha supplemented groups showed significantly (P<0.05) higher Hb, PCV and WBC values, however, H: L ratio and serum cholesterol concentrations were lowest in WS-0.5 group. No significant effect of ashwagandha or antibiotics was observed on the drawn yield of broilers. The net profit per bird as well as net profit per kg live weight was highest in WS-0.5 group. The outcome of this study indicated that 0.5% ashwagandha root powder improved weight gain, feed efficiency and economic returns in broiler chickens and may be used as phytogenic growth promoter in broiler production.