Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2022)

Author(s):
Bharath Kumar N, Krishnamurthy TN, Ananda Manegar G, Indresh HC, Jayanaik, Umashankar BC and Wilfred Ruban S

Abstract:
An experiment was conducted to study the supplementation of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) on growth performance and carcass characteristics in Giriraja birds. A total of 150 day old Giriraja birds were distributed into five treatment groups with three replicates in each group and ten birds in each replicate. Basal diet (T₁) without Shatavari supplementation and the experimental diets were prepared by incorporating Shatavari at 0.25 per cent (T₂), Shatavari at 0.50 per cent (T₃), Shatavari at 1.0 per cent (T₄) and Shatavari at 1.50 per cent (T₅). The birds were fed with ad libidum for a period of 56 days and the standard management practices were carried out. The growth parameters revealed significantly higher body weight, lower feed intake and better feed efficiency in Shatavari supplemented groups. The carcass characteristics were significantly higher in dressing percentage, breast muscle yield and thigh muscle yield in Shatavari supplemented groups. There was non-significant difference in abdominal fat percent and drumstick yield in treated groups. Supplementation of Asparagus racemosus at 1.0 or 1.50 per cent was beneficial in improving the growth parameters viz body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics in Giriraja birds.