Enhancing Levels of Vitamins A, C, and E (Anti-oxidants) in Broiler-Feeds to Improve Their Feed Conversion Ratios and Reduce Cost of Production

To evaluate effects of additional levels of Vitamins A, C, E (Antioxidants) in Broiler feeds on feed conversion ratio (FCR) and cost of producing 1kg weight of Broiler (meat).

The research was carried out at the poultry unit of the Teaching and Research farm of the college of veterinary medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State between September and October 2019.

50 day old chicks were randomly allocated into two groups of 25 birds each: Group A and Group B. Group A, the treatment group received commercial feed plus additional levels of Vitamins A, C, E while group B, the control received only commercial feed. Water was given to both groups ad libitum. The birds were weighed weekly till approximately 1.3 kg live weight was recorded. Both the age at which they weighed 1.25 kg and the cost were calculated and recorded. Other Parameters evaluated include: daily feed intake, weight gain, and Feed conversion ratio. At 4th week, the group fed with antioxidants weighed 1.25 kg live weight at #650 cost of production, while the control group weighed 1.3 kg at 5th week at the cost of #944. There were significant differences in feed intake (P=.05), in average weight gain (P=.05) and FCR (P=.05) between the two groups.

This study suggests that additional levels of Vitamins A, C, and E enhanced growth performance, decrease FCR and reduce cost of production.