The effect of adding different levels of pomegranate peel powder on performance and some carcass traits in broiler chickens(Ross)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the use of pomegranate peel powder as a natural additive in broiler diets and its effect on productive performance indicators and some carcass characteristics. The experiment was conducted at the Higher Institute of Agricultural Technologies -Derna - Libya, from November 6 to December 6, 2023, using 160 Ross strain chicks (14 days old, average weight 294 ± 6.52 g). The experiment was designed according to a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments (0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) pomegranate peel powder) and four replicates per treatment (10 birds/replicate). The birds were fed a commercial diet supplemented with pomegranate peel powder, with feed and water provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Initial and final weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, as well as carcass and internal organ weights after slaughter were measured. The results showed that the addition of 1% pomegranate peel powder achieved the highest total weight gain (1720.63 g) and the best performance in carcass characteristics (live weight, breast weight, thigh weight) compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). In contrast, higher levels (1.5% and 2%) led to a slight decline in performance. No significant effect was observed on the feed conversion ratio or on most internal organs, except for an improvement in spleen weight. The results indicated that pomegranate peel powder can be used as an effective natural supplement at a 1% concentration to improve broiler performance and carcass characteristics without adverse effects