Phytogenic additive as an alternative to growth promoters in broiler chickens

This study evaluated a phytogenic feed additive for broiler chickens. A total of 1,632 broiler chicks were distributed into four treatments: negative control (without growth promoter); positive control (avilamycine, 10ppm + colistin, 15ppm); and two alternative treatments with 150ppm of phytogenic additive, one with a reduced Ca and P levels diet (PA-R1) and the other with lower energy, and amino acids, besides Ca and P (PA-R2). The trial was conducted with 12 replicates, each consisted of a pen with 34 birds. The alternative diets showed body weight intermediate to the two controls at 42 days, with no significant (P>0.05) treatment effect on feed conversion ratio. No treatment differences (P>0.05) on carcass yield and composition was observed. There was a tendency of abdominal fat lipids saturation, when the phytogenic additive was used, as possible consequence of a decreased level of soybean oil in the diets. A difference (P<0.001) on ingredient consumption profile was observed between the treatments. All together, this study showed a possibility to reduce the cost of total feed used to produce a broilers or a ton of body weight by the utilization of the tested phytogenic additive.