EFFECT OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICIA CARNEA ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKEN

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of oral administration of Justicia carnea on growth performance of broiler chicken. One hundred and twenty day old chicks were used for this study. Chicks were randomly allotted to four treatment groups in a complete randomized design having three replicate with ten (10) birds each. Birds were housed in a deep litter system where water and feed were provided ad-libitum for six weeks. The extract was administered at different days, T1 (Control), T2 (Extract of Justicia carnea (EJC) for twice/ week, T3 (EJC three consecutive days/ week), T4: EJC for five consecutive days/ week. Data obtained were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings obtained from this study shows that there was significant (P < 0.05) difference on feed conversion ratio of the birds. It can be concluded from this study that Justicia carnea extract can be used as a growth promoter in broiler chicken production.