Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Bhupendra Kaswan and RK Dhuria

Abstract:
The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf powder (at graded levels) or Vitamin E alone and in combinations using 360 one day old broiler chicks in experiment within a completely randomized design and divided into ten dietary treatments groups (T₁-T₁₀) in triplicate of 12 chicks per replicate. Diets included: T₁-basal diet with no supplementation; T₂-basal diet supplemented with 0.25% Tulsi leaf powder; T₃-basal diet supplemented with 0.50% Tulsi leaf powder; T₄-basal diet supplemented with 0.75% Tulsi leaf powder; T₅-basal diet supplemented with 1.0% Tulsi leaf powder; T₆-basal diet supplemented with 0.025% Vitamin E; T₇-basal diet supplemented with 0.25% Tulsi leaf powder plus 0.025% Vitamin E; T₈-basal diet supplemented with 0.50% Tulsi leaf powder plus 0.025% Vitamin E; T₉-basal diet supplemented with 0.75% Tulsi leaf powder plus 0.025% Vitamin E and T₁₀-basal diet supplemented with 1.0% Tulsi leaf powder plus 0.025% Vitamin E. A 42 day feeding trial was carried out from Jan., 2021 to Feb., 2021 at the Experimental Poultry Unit, located in poultry farm of College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner. The feed was offered as per BIS, 2007 standards. The average temperature range (18.00 ^oC to 20.57 ^oC) during the study period was in normothermia zone i.e. 22-28 °C or 18-24 °C established for poultry, which indicated that birds were in comfort zone. Present study showed non-significant increase in tibia weight and tibia measurements in control group as compared to various treatment groups.