The effect of Supplementing Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seed Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Cobb 500 Broilers Reared on Conventional Ration

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers. A total of 156 day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely randomized design with three replicates of 13 chicks each which lasted for 42 days. The experimental diets were: Control (T1, commercial broiler diet), T1 + 1% fenugreek seed powder (T2), T1 + 2% fenugreek seed powder (T3), T1 + 3% fenugreek seed powder. The dry matter intake increased with increasing the levels of fenugreek seed powder in the ration. The crude protein and metaboizable energy intake for T3 and T4 was higher (P<0.05) than those fed T1 and T2 diets. The average daily gain (ADG) for T4 and T3 was higher (P<0.05) than those fed T1 diets while T2 had an intermediate value during the growing phase. During the finisher and the entire period the highest (P<0.05) ADG was for T4 while the lowest (P<0.05) was for T1. During the finisher phase and entire period T4 had higher (P<0.05) feed conversion efficiency compared with T1 and T3 diets. The slaughter weight, uneviscerated carcass, eviscerated carcass and thigh weight increased (P<0.05) with increasing levels of fenugreek seed powder. Thorax, back and drumstick for T1 was lower (P<0.05) than that of T3 and T4. Neck and breast muscle for T4 was greater (P<0.05) than that of T1 and T2. The highest (P<0.05) total carcass weight was for T4. The fenugreek supplemented group had the highest (P<0.05) dressing percentage. The control diet (T1) had the highest abdominal fat. The dry matter, ash and protein content of the meat were higher (P<0.05) in the broilers receiving fenugreek supplemented diet, with no significant differences among the supplemented group. The control diet (T1) had the highest (P<0.05) cooking loss, pH and water holding capacity. It can be concluded that better performance was observed when fenugreek seed powder is added up to 3% in commercial broiler diet under conditions of the current experiment