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Livestock Research International | April-June, 2019 | Volume 07 | Issue 02 | Pages 151-158
© 2019 Jakraya
LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
Journal homepage: www.jakraya.com/journa/lri
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe Vera Powder as a Feed Additive on the
Performance of Broiler Chicken
Jongpongrenla Jamir, N. Savino and V.K. Vidyarthi
1*
Department of Livestock Production and Management, Nagaland University, Sasrd, Medziphema Campus -
797106, Nagaland, India.
*
Corresponding Author:
V.K. Vidyarthi
Email: vidyarthi64@gmail.com
Received: 01/05/2019
Accepted: 25/06/2019
Abstract
The aim of the present work is to find out the different levels of aloe
vera on the performance in terms of growth, feed intake, carcass
characteristics, overall performance and cost of rearing of broiler chickens.
For this, a total of 120-day old, broiler chicks of hybrid cobb-400 strain,
were equally distributed into four treatments (T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
) with five
replications per treatment following Completely Randomized Design. The
birds in control group (T
1
) were provided with standard diets of broiler
starter and broiler finisher. However, the diets of other groups were
supplemented with Aloe vera powder @1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/kg feed for T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups, respectively. The experiment lasted for six weeks. The birds
were reared in deep litter system for 21 days and in cages from 22
nd
day till
42 days of age. Feed intake was recorded daily and weekly body weight
was recorded replication wise. Gain in weight and feed conversion
efficiency was calculated accordingly. No mortality was observed for all
the treatments. The inputs of all items were precisely recorded for
calculation of economics of rearing. Statistical analysis indicated that there
were no significant differences in body weight, body weight gain, feed
intake; dressing percentage and carcass yield irrespective of treatment
groups. From the present study, it was observed that feed conversion
efficiency, performance index and net profit/kg broiler bird were better in
T
2
group as compared to other group. Therefore, it can be concluded that
dietary supplementation of Aloe vera at 1.0 g/kg feed had shown positive
impact on overall performance and net return/kg birds and can be
advocated for supplementation under the prevailing agro-climatic condition
of Nagaland.
Keywords:
Aloe vera, Broiler performance, Feed conversion efficiency,
Carcass yield, Net profit.
1. Introduction
Poultry production in India has undergone a
paradigm shift, growing at around 8-10 percent
annually (Chatterjee and Rajkumar, 2015). But for
ensuring more net return, to minimize high expenditure
and maintaining better health, continuous research is
always in progress to add newer feed supplements and
feed additives in poultry industry by knowing their
efficacy. Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) are the
agents added in feed to enhance the feed conversion
ratio (FCR) and body growth in poultry (Izat et al.,
1990; Dibner and Buttin, 2002; Miles et al., 2006).
However, constant application leads to residual effects
in poultry products and bacterial resistance to drugs in
human body causes threats to human health (Botsoglou
and Fletouris, 2001; Alcicek et al., 2004; Owens et al.,
2008). On the other hand, use of non-antibiotic growth
promoters (NAGPs) is commonly regarded as
favourable, alternative to AGP in poultry production.
Many studies had been carried out on feed additives
including herbs, as alternatives to antibiotics, with
direct or indirect effects on intestinal microflora in
poultry (Taylor, 2001). Use of antibiotics in poultry is
banned, due to threats to human health (Hinton, 1988;
Botsoglou and Fletouris, 2001; Alcicek et al., 2004;
Owens et al., 2008) since constant treatment of poultry
by antibiotic may result in residues of these substances
in poultry products and bacterial resistance against
treatments in human body. Several studies had shown
antimicrobial properties of herb extracts (Cowan, 1999;
Jamir et al...Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe vera Powder as a Feed Additive on the Performance of
Broiler Chicken
Livestock Research International | April-June, 2019 | Volume 07 | Issue 02 | Pages 151-158
© 2019 Jakraya 152
Hammer et al., 1999) which could improve intestinal
microflora population and enhance health in bird,
digestive systems through reduction in number of
disease causing bacteria (Mitsch et al., 2004). In
addition, modified harmful microbial population in
intestines will change intestinal morphology. Intestinal
health is of great importance in poultry for improved
performance and reduced feed conversion ratio
(Montagne et al., 2003). However, properties of other
herbs, such as antioxidant, antiviral or
immunomodulatory properties and their effects on
performance and digestive health cannot be ignored.
Aloe vera has a great medicinal potential, having more
than 70 biologically active compounds (Ezeibekwe et
al., 2009). It is a succulent, stem fewer herbs found
widely in India, China and many Egyptian countries.
Many studies have shown antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-
inflammatory and immune-modulator effects of Aloe
vera (Gautam et al., 2004; Madan et al., 2008; Moorthy
et al., 2009). With numerous properties, Aloe vera is
among the most well-known herbs. This member of
Liliaceae is similar to cactus in appearance and mostly
grows in arid regions of Asia and Africa (Boudreau and
Beland, 2006). The middle major parts of Aloe vera
leaves consist of the gel. Previous studies discovered
different properties of Aloe vera gel, including wound
healing, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, antifungal and anti-
bacterial properties (Boudreau and Beland, 2006;
Reynolds and Dweck, 1999). An important Aloe vera
gel complex which has received attention from
researchers is the polysaccharide acemannan - a
mannose polymer (Reynolds and Dweck, 1999).
Studies revealed that properties of Aloe vera, including
wound healing, immune modulatory and antibacterial
properties, might stem from acemannan (Mascolo et
al., 2004). Studies performed on the effects of Aloe
vera and of polysaccharide contained in Aloe vera
(acemannan) on the broilers had shown that Aloe vera
gel could improve the immune response in broilers
(Chinnah et al., 1992; Valle-Paraso et al., 2005). In
addition, Lin et al. (2005) reported improved intestinal
microflora in broilers as a result of acemannan
treatment. The process reduced E. coli count and
increased lactobacillus count. Keeping in view the
above facts on the positive effects of Aloe vera in
broilers, the present study entitled ‘Effect of dietary
supplementation of Aloe vera powder as a feed additive
on the performance of broiler chicken’ was postulated
with the aim to observe its effect on performance in
terms of body weight, gain in weight, feed intake, feed
conversion efficiency, performance index, carcass
characteristics and net profit of broiler chicken
production.
2. Materials and Methods
A total of 120, day old commercial broiler
chicks of hybrid Cobb- 400 strain from a single hatch
were procured from Dimapur, Nagaland. Each bird was
weighed individually on arrival and randomly assigned
to four dietary treatment groups. The dietary treatments
included feeding of basal diet (control group) and the
other three treatment groups fed with different levels of
Aloe vera powder at the rate of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g per
kg feed, purchased from De Herbs, N-87, Sham Nagar,
Main Sheetla Mandir Road, New Delhi. The broiler
chicks were fed with standard broiler diet in two
phases, i.e. standard broiler starter ration (0-21 days)
and finisher ration (22-42 days). The standard ration
was procured from a reputed commercial feed
manufactures, Dimapur, Nagaland. Precise quantity of
Aloe vera @ 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg feed was added and
stored in separate bags as T
1
(Control), T
2
, T
3
and T
4
as
treatment groups. Weighed amount of feed from the
respective treatment groups was offered daily to the
chicks to ensure ad libitum feeding. Fresh and clean
water was made available to the birds throughout the
experiment period. The birds were reared in deep litter
system during the brooding stage and later, on the 4
th
week they were transferred to cages. Thorough
cleaning and disinfection of the brooder house and
equipments such as feeders, waterers and brooders
were done before the start of the experiment. The room
in which all the experimental chicks were housed was
well ventilated. Paddy husk and saw dust was used as
litter material, which was spread about 2-3 inches on
the floor of the brooder house after liming. Above the
litter, newspapers bedding was provided in order to
protect the chicks from picking the litter material as
well as to prevent them from injury. Kerosene oil was
spread in the corners of the brooder house to avoid ant
infestation. The foot bath which was at the entrance of
the brooder house was filled with a solution of
potassium permanganate as disinfectant. During the
first 21 days of the experimental period, the chicks
were reared under deep litter system. Four hover
brooders were used for brooding of the chicks.
Temporary partitions were made and the experimental
birds were reared in four different compartments as per
different levels of feeding experiment. Prior to the
arrival of the chicks, the temperature of the brooder
was maintained at 95ºF (37.5ºC) for 24 hours with the
help of four 60 watt bulbs. The temperature in
subsequent weeks was reduced gradually by 5ºF
weekly till the chicks have attained the 21 days of age.
The wire netted wall of the brooder house was covered
with gunny bags in order to check the entry of hot or
cold wind inside the brooder house to maintain the
required temperature. Brooder guards were placed
around the brooders to confine the chicks within the
brooder which were removed after completion of two
Jamir et al...Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe vera Powder as a Feed Additive on the Performance of
Broiler Chicken
Livestock Research International | April-June, 2019 | Volume 07 | Issue 02 | Pages 151-158
© 2019 Jakraya 153
weeks. Due precaution was taken to avoid spillage of
water on the litter material. Turning of litter was done
at regular intervals. After the completion of 21 days of
brooding, the chicks were transferred to finisher house
in cages. On the arrival, the chicks were provided with
glucose water to give energy and to reduce the
transportation stress caused. They were at first made to
drink the water by hand to let them get acquainted to it.
The birds were weighed in batch of 10 in numbers and
the birds were randomly housed in the compartments.
Starter mash in small quantities was later spread on the
newspaper under the brooder. Two waterers were
placed at the edge of the brooder with two linear
feeders placed opposite to each other in each
compartment in the brooder house. The feeders were
filled up to ¾
th
level so as to avoid feed wastage.
Measured quantity of feed was offered daily at 6.00
a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The left over feed was measured the
next day in the morning to assess the daily feed
consumption of the bird. The chicks were vaccinated
against Ranikhet disease with Lasota/ F1 strain vaccine
and Infectious Bursal Disease with IBD vaccine at first
week and second week, respectively. Initial body
weight of the day old chicks was recorded. Thereafter,
the average body weight of the broiler chicks was
recorded on weekly basis which was taken in the
morning hours prior to feeding and watering. A digital
weighing balance having a maximum capacity of 10 kg
was used for the entire experiment for weighing the
birds. During the first three weeks, the average weight
of the chicks was recorded in groups of 10. This was
done by placing 10 chicks each in a pre weighed
bamboo basket. After 21 days, the birds were weighed
individually at weekly intervals till they attained six
weeks of age i.e. 42 days of age. Feed and water was
provided ad libitum to all the groups throughout the
experimental period. The amount of feed fed to the
birds was recorded daily and the feed residue, if any,
was recorded the next morning. Feed intake was
calculated by offering weighed quantity of feeds
according to the treatments with the help of a precise
digital weighing balance and expressed in gram. The
left over feed was subtracted from the total amount of
feed supplied the previous day to arrive at the exact
quantity of feed consumed by the birds per day. From
these data, the average and weekly feed consumption
was calculated for each bird in each group and
expressed in grams. The feed conversion efficiency
(FCE) of different experimental groups was calculated
by the ratio of feed consumed (g) to total body weight
gain (g). Mortality was recorded on daily basis
throughout the period of investigation and was
expressed in percentage. Liveability percentage was
calculated by subtracting the mortality percentage from
100. Performance Index (PI) was calculated by
adopting the formula of Bird (1955). At the end of the
experiment, two birds from each group were randomly
selected for carcass evaluation studies. Live weight of
the individual bird was recorded before slaughter.
Slaughtering was done by using Kosher Method. The
dressed weight of the bird was obtained after complete
bleeding and removal of feathers. Heart, liver, spleen
and gizzard (empty) were also weighted individually
and the average weight of each of these organs was
recorded for the four respective groups. The economics
of rearing was calculated on the basis of overall cost of
inputs, i.e. the cost of chicks, feeds, labour, medicines
and other miscellaneous cost. The live weight of the
bird at the end of experiment was considered for
calculating the gross return per bird and net profit per
bird. The data were subjected to statistical analysis in
order to draw a valid interpretation and to see the
effects of different treatments on various parameters
using ANOVA in a Completely Randomized Design as
described by Snedecor and Cochran (1998).
3. Results and Discussion
The average body weight of the day-old chicks
for T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups was 49.23, 48.73, 48.67
and 49.10 g/ bird for T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups,
respectively. The corresponding body weight at 6
th
week was 2353.0, 2450.0, 2348.0 and 2357.0 g/ bird.
Analysis of variance showed non-significant variation
in the average body weight among the different
treatment groups. The result indicated that
supplementation of Aloe vera powder within the given
range in the present study had no significant effect on
the body weight of the birds. These findings were in
agreement with the observations of Sinurat et al.
(2002); Yadav (2015) who also observed non-
significant difference in body weight due to
supplementation of Aloe vera powder in broiler diet.
On the contrary, Darabighane et al. (2011); Singh et al.
(2013); Darabighane and Nahashon (2014); Saini
(2014); Singh (2014) observed significant increase in
body weight due to dietary supplementation of Aloe
vera. Variation in results might be due to species/strain
differences, agro-climatic differences, difference in
levels of Aloe vera and seasons, etc.
The average total gain in the body weight on 42
days experimental period was 2303.77, 2402.97,
2300.16 and 2273.07 g for T
1,
T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups,
respectively. Overall gain in weight was 383.96,
400.50, 383.36 and 378.85 g/ bird/ week in T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups,
respectively. Overall, gain in body
weight was numerically highest in T
2
followed by T
1
,
T
3
and the least in T
4
.
However, statistically no
significant difference in weight gain was observed
irrespective of treatment groups. Similar findings were
reported by Yadav (2015) who did not find any –
Jamir et al...Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe vera Powder as a Feed Additive on the Performance of
Broiler Chicken
Livestock Research International | April-June, 2019 | Volume 07 | Issue 02 | Pages 151-158
© 2019 Jakraya 154
Table 1: Average body weight (g/bird/week) of broiler birds in different treatment groups
Treatment Weeks Mean
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
T
1
49.23 121.90 295.67 695.00 1201.00 1755.00 2353.00 392.17
T
2
48.73 119.83 284.43 654.70 1186.00 1735.00 2450.00 408.33
T
3
48.67 125.73 294.83 683.83 1204.00 1737.00 2348.00 391.33
T
4
49.10 117.13 283.49 651.17 1220.00 1786.00 2357.00 392.33
SEM (±)
1.00 1.25 2.55 5.65 20.09 35.55 45.66 3.67
Table 2: Average gain in body weight (g/bird/week) of broiler birds in different treatment groups
Treatment Weeks Total Mean
1 2 3 4 5 6
T
1
72.67 173.77 399.33 506.00 554.00 598.00 2303.77 383.96
T
2
72.10 164.60 370.27 532.00 549.00 715.00 2402.97 400.50
T
3
77.06 169.10 389.00 521.00 533.00 611.00 2300.16 383.36
T
4
68.03 131.36 367.68 569.00 566.00 571.00 2273.07 378.85
SEM (±) 1.23 5.45 7.77 12.82 17.63 48.52 51.22 12.22
Table 3: Average feed intake (g/bird/week) of broiler birds in different treatment groups
Treatment Weeks Total Mean
1 2 3 4 5 6
T
1
107.44 247.46 561.70 771.75 1013.13 1018.59 3749.44 624.91
T
2
107.14 242.61 532.30 755.34 1013.09 1239.61 3890.09 648.35
T
3
107.70 242.10 534.41 759.37 1013.11 1250.10 3906.79 651.13
T
4
82.54 247.47 506.47 757.01 1008.66 1236.40 3838.55 693.76
SEM (±) 5.33 3.33 5.56 7.50 8.25 22.71 35.55 15.54
Table 4: Average feed conversion efficiency of broiler birds in different treatment groups
Treatment Weeks Total Mean
1 2 3 4 5 6
T
1
1.48 1.42
1.48 1.52
d
1.83 2.06
b
9.79 1.63
T
2
1.50 1.47 1.44 1.42
b
1.88 1.73
a
9.44 1.57
T
3
1.40 1.43 1.37 1.46
c
1.90 2.05
b
9.61 1.60
T
4
1.21 1.88 1.38 1.33
a
1.78 2.17
b
9.75 1.63
SEM (±) 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.03 0.06 0.03
a, b, c, d
Means bearing different superscripts in a column differ significantly (P<0.05)
Table 5: Average mortality and liveability (%) and performance index of broiler birds in different treatment groups
Treatment Mortality (%) Liveability (%) Performance Index
T
1
0.00 100 203.90
T
2
0.00 100 212.54
T
3
0.00 100 199.07
T
4
0.00 100 197.66
Jamir et al...Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe vera Powder as a Feed Additive on the Performance of
Broiler Chicken
Livestock Research International | April-June, 2019 | Volume 07 | Issue 02 | Pages 151-158
© 2019 Jakraya 155
Table 6: Average dressing percentage, carcass yield and organs weight (g/m/bird) of broiler birds in different
treatment groups
Table 7: Relative economics (Rs/bird) of rearing broiler birds in different treatment groups
Items Treatment
T
1
T
2
T
3
T
4
Cost of broiler 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
Cost of feed 120.00 124.48 125.02 122.83
Cost of Aloe vera powder 0.00 2.14 3.22 4.22
Cost of medicine 1.16 1.61 1.16 1.16
Cost of labour 12.60 12.60 12.60 12.60
Miscellaneous cost 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33
Cost of production 187.09 193.71 195.33 194.14
Average Weight of broiler (Kg/ bird) 2.353 2.450 2.348 2.357
Cost of production (Rs/ kg weight) 80.00 79.07 83.30 82.37
Receipt through sale of broiler 305.89 318.5 305.24 306.41
Sale of gunny bags 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total receipt 306.89 319.5 305.24 307.41
Total profit 119.80 125.79 109.91 113.27
Net profit (R/ kg weight) 50.91 51.34 46.81 48.06
Benefit cost ratio 0.64 0.65 0.56 0.58
significant difference in body weight gain of broilers
due to Aloe vera supplementation. Whereas,
Darabighane et al. (2011) found significant difference
in body weight gain in broiler birds with
supplementation of Aloe vera. The variation in the
result might be attributed due to species/strain
differences, difference in levels of Aloe vera powder,
agro-climatic differences, seasons, etc.
The total feed intake during the entire trial
period was 3749.44, 3890.09, 3906.79 and 3838.55
g/bird for T
1
, T
2
,
T
3
and T
4
groups, respectively. Total
feed consumption was numerically highest in T
3
followed by T
2
, T
4
and the least in T
1
group
.
However,
the statistical analysis had revealed no significant
difference in feed intake among the treatment groups
due to Aloe vera powder inclusion. The results of the
present findings were contrary to Darabighane et al.
(2011); Salary et al. (2014) who observed significant
difference in feed consumption in broiler fed with diet
supplemented with different levels of Aloe vera
powder. The variation in result might be due to
species/strain differences, different levels of Aloe vera
powder, agro-climatic difference, seasons etc. The
mean values for FCE except for 4
th
and 6
th
week did not
differ irrespective of treatment group. From the results,
it was observed that value for FCE was significantly
(P<0.05) better in T
4
group followed by T
2
, T
3
and poor
in T
1
group at 4
th
week of age of broiler; whereas, at 6
th
week of age, FCE value was significantly (P<0.05)
better in T
2
group followed by T
3
, T
1
and poor in T
4
group; however the FCE values did not differ amongst
T
1
, T
3
and T
4
groups at 6
th
week. These results were in
agreement with the findings of Sinurat et al. (2002);
Salary et al. (2014); Saini (2014); Singh (2014) who
also observed significant effect in feed conversion
efficiency. However Darabighane et al. (2011) did not
observe any variation in feed conversion efficiency.
Such contradictory results might be due to difference in
type of Aloe vera powder preparation and significant
variation in agro-climatic condition etc. The mortality
percentage of broiler birds from day old to six weeks of
age was zero irrespective of the treatment groups.
Similar findings were observed by Yadav (2015) who
found that the mortality recorded was within standard
limits which showed that there was no detrimental
effect of Aloe vera supplementation on health and
Treatment Dressing (%) Carcass Weight (g) Organ Weight (g)
Gizzard Heart Liver Spleen
T
1
81.02 1923.00 37.17 10.89 50.09 2.55
T
2
79.76 1898.00 35.98 10.13 44.83 1.72
T
3
77.34 1867.00 38.11 10.68 45.13 2.62
T
4
84.59 1960.00 41.91 11.4 50.33 2.47
Jamir et al...Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe vera Powder as a Feed Additive on the Performance of
Broiler Chicken
Livestock Research International | April-June, 2019 | Volume 07 | Issue 02 | Pages 151-158
© 2019 Jakraya 156
performance of broilers. Liveability percentage
recorded to be 100 percent in all the groups which
might be attributed due to beneficial effects of Aloe
vera supplementation, favourable climatic condition,
good quality feed and proper management practices.
The value for performance index was 203.90, 212.54,
199.07 and 197.66 in T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups,
respectively. The performance index of broiler birds
was numerically high in T
2
(212.54) followed by T
1
, T
3
and the lowest in T
4
group. Similar findings had been
reported by Saini (2014) who concluded that the use of
Aloe vera as feed additive at 2.0 percent level enhanced
overall performance of broiler chicken. However
variation in the observation might be due to differences
in species of birds, level of Aloe vera powder inclusion,
agro-climatic condition etc.
The average dressing percentage of broiler birds
at the end of sixth week was 81.02, 79.76, 77.34 and
84.59 in T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups, respectively.
Numerically there was variation in the values of
dressing percentage among the different groups. Higher
dressing percentage was recorded in T
4
followed by T
1
,
T
2
and the least in T
3
group. The average carcass
weight of broiler birds in different experimental groups
was 1923, 1898, 1867 and 1957 g/bird for T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups, respectively. Numerically, higher
carcass weight was observed in T
4
followed by T
1
, T
2
and least in T
3
group. The average gizzard weight was
37.17, 35.98, 38.11 and 41.91 g for T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups, respectively. Numerically, higher weight of the
gizzard was obtained in T
4
followed by T
3
, T
1
and T
2
group. The average heart weight for T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups was 10.89, 10.13, 10.68 and 11.4 g,
respectively. The heart weight was higher in T
4
followed by T
1
, T
3
and least in T
2
group. The average
liver weight was 50.09, 44.83, 45.13 and 50.33 g for T
1,
T
2
, T
3
and T
4,
respectively. Higher liver weight was
recorded in T
4
followed by T
1
, T
3
and the least in T
2
.
The average spleen weight was 2.55, 1.72, 2.62 and
2.47 g for T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
groups, respectively. The
spleen weight was higher in T
3
followed by T
1
, T
4
and
least in T
2
group. From the results, it was observed that
the values for dressing percentage and carcass yield
were numerically better in T
4
group as compared to the
other group, likewise the values for the
organ weight
was also higher in T
4
as compared to the other
treatment groups. Higher dressing percentage and
carcass yield in T
4
might be due to the positive
influence of Aloe vera that led to more gain in body
weight of the broilers. Similar findings had also been
reported by Sinurat et al. (2002); Saini (2014); Singh
(2014); Yadav (2015) who had observed higher
dressing percentage and carcass yield when Aloe vera
was supplemented in the diet of broiler. However
variation in the observation might be due to differences
in species of birds, level of Aloe vera powder inclusion,
agro-climatic condition etc.
The average cost of production was 187.09,
193.71, 195.33 and 194.14 rupees per bird for T
1
, T
2
,
T
3
and T
4
groups, respectively. The corresponding values
for average cost of production per kg live weight of
bird was 80.00, 79.07, 83.30 and 82.37 rupees. The net
profit per bird was 119.8, 125.79, 109.91 and 113.27
rupees for T
1
, T
2
,
T
3
and T
4
groups, respectively and the
corresponding values for net profit per kg live weight
of bird was 50.91, 51.34, 46.81 and 40.06 rupees. From
the results, it was found that the total cost of production
per broiler was comparable in all the groups; however
the cost of production per kg live weight of broiler was
lowest in T
2
(Rs. 79.07) followed by T
1
, T
4
and the
highest in T
3
groups. The net profit per kg live weight
of broiler was highest (Rs. 51.34) in T
2
group i.e.,
supplementation of Aloe vera powder at 1.0 g/ kg feed
as compared to other treatments. Similar findings had
been reported by Yadav et al. (2017) who reported that
Aloe Vera acted as efficient, effective and economical
alternative to AGP in broiler industry. From the overall
results obtained in the present study, it can be
concluded that supplementation of Aloe vera powder
at the rate of 1.0g/ kg feed had shown positive impact
on overall performance of broiler birds in terms of
body weight, gain in body weight, feed consumption,
FCE, performance index and net return per bird.
4. Conclusion
From the results it can be concluded that dietary
supplementation of Aloe vera irrespective of various
levels had not shown any positive impact of
performance of broiler birds in terms of body weight,
gain in body weight, feed intake, carcass characteristics
etc.; however, the values for feed conversion
efficiency, performance index and net profit per kg
broiler bird showed positive impact in group of birds
supplementation with Aloe vera at 1.0 g/kg feed.
Therefore, on the basis of results obtained during
present experiment, dietary supplementation of Aloe
vera powder at rate of 1.0 g/kg feed can be advocated.
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