EFFECTS OF ONION EXTRACT (Allium cepa) AS A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTERS ON CARCASS TRAITS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES IN BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of dietary inclusion of onion (Allium cepa) extracts as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on broiler chickens' carcass traits and physiological responses. Specifically, it seeks to evaluate the impact of onion extracts on growth performance, dressing percentage, breast muscle yield, and abdominal fat deposition. One hundred twenty unsexed Abor acre day-old broiler chicks were obtained for the study. In a completely randomized design, the chicks were allotted into four treatments: A, B, C, and D, with thirty chicks each. Each treatment was further subdivided into three replicates of ten chicks. The diets were incorporated at 0% (control), 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% of onion extract (Allium cepa). All data obtained from the experiment were statistically analysed using the General Linear Model Procedure of the Minitab 17 software package. The results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in live weight, dressed weight, weights of head, wing, neck, back cut, shank, ribs, and thigh across the treatment groups. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in eviscerated weight, dressing percentage, breast cut, and heart weight. It was also discovered from the results that no significant differences in respiratory and pulse rates (measured in beats per minute) across the treatment groups. Based on the results, onion extract can be included in broiler diets up to 0.8% to achieve improved carcass quality and physiological responses.