Effect of shatavari and vitamin E on growth performance, biochemical profile and dressing percentage of broilers during winter season

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of shatavari and vitamin E on growth performance, biochemical profile and dressing percentage of broilers during winter season. A total of 120 d-old broiler chicks were procured and randomly allocated into six treatment groups (n=20), according to shatavari and/or vitamin E (VE) supplementation: T1-basal diet; T2-basal diet+1% shatavari powder; T3-basal diet+5% shatavari powder; T4–200 mg/kg feed VE; T5–1% shatavari powder+ 200 mg/kg feed VE; T6–1.5% shatavari powder and 200 mg/kg feed VE. Performance data indicated that feed consumption was higher (P<0.05) in T6 group as compared to other groups of broiler birds. Weight gain was observed significantly (P<0.05) higher in the treatment groups as compared to control group, whereas feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.05) lower in treatment groups. Blood glucose, calcium, and phosphorus was significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatment groups as compared to control group and observed highest in T6 group. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine was found significantly (P<0.05) lower in treatment groups in comparison to control. Carcass quality and organ weight was also significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatment groups in comparison to control, observed highest in T6 group of broiler chickens. Therefore, it can be concluded that supplementation of shatavari 1.5% and 200 mg/kg feed VE was observed more beneficial to remove cold stress and improve growth performance, carcass quality and organ weight of broiler birds.