Effect of paragis (Eleusine indica L.) decoction on the performance and carcass quality of broiler chicken

Abstract

This study was conducted at Capiz State University Burias Campus, Mambusao Capiz from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019 to determine the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler supplemented with paragis decoction. Four treatments were tested including pure drinking water as control, 100 g paragis per liter of water, 200 g paragis per liter of water, and 300 g paragis per liter of water. These treatments were arranged in Completely Randomized Designs replicated thrice. All parameters on the performance and carcass quality were subjected to the Analysis of Variance and were interpreted at 5% and 1% levels of significance. Results showed that feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and water intake of broiler chickens were significantly affected by the supplementation of paragis decoction. Birds given with pure drinking water, 100 g and 200 g paragis per liter of water consumed comparable amount of feeds which was significantly higher than the feed consumption of birds given with 300 g paragis per liter of water. Birds given with paragis decoction resulted to better feed conversion ratio as compared to birds given with drinking water, while birds given with 200 g paragis per liter of water consumed the most volume of drinking water as compared to other treatments. On the other hand, gain in weight, dressing percentage, and carcass drip loss of broilers were not affected by the supplementation of paragis decoction. Gain in weight ranged from 1.28 – 1.37 kg, dressing percentage ranged from 74.23 – 76.81%, while carcass drip loss ranged from 2.14 – 2.56%. Birds given with 200 g paragis per liter of water obtained the highest net income.