Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the response of broiler chicken to various levels of cumin seed powder as feed additive on performance characteristics. A total of 160 one-day-old chicks were utilized for this investigation. Four diets were compounded for the starter and finisher phases, incorporating cumin seed powder at levels of 0g, 150g, 300g, and 450g per 100kg of feed, labelled as treatment 1, treatment 2, treatment 3, and treatment 4, respectively. The chicks were divided into four groups of 40 birds each and assigned one of the diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further subdivided into 4 replicates of ten birds. Feed and water were provided without restriction, and the collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. During the starter phase, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in final body weight, daily weight gain, and feed intake. Treatment 4 exhibited the highest significant values in final weight (1186.56g), daily weight gain (40.32g), and feed intake (1776.60g). Although the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was statistically similar across groups, treatment 4 displayed the lowest FCR (1.56). In the finisher phase, significant differences (P<0.05) were again noted in final weight, daily weight gain, and feed intake, with treatment 4 recording the highest values for these parameters (2801.22g, 68.23g, and 134.82g, respectively). While there was no significant difference in FCR among the birds, treatment 4 exhibited the best and lowest FCR. Significant differences (P<0.05) were also observed in live weight, dressed weight, and cut parts (breast, thigh, drumstick, back, and wing) percentages. Abdominal fat was significantly affected by the treatment, while no significant impact of the diet was found on the internal organs (liver, heart, kidney, and gizzard) of the birds. It was concluded that incorporating up to 450g of cumin seed powder into the diet of broiler chickens enhanced growth performance and carcass quality without adversely affecting internal organs.