Document Type : Articles
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Abstract
In this study, we tried adding various levels of dried powdered alfalfa in the broiler chicken diets and evaluated its effect on performance, production parameters, and some carcass traits. To this end, 180 one-week-old broiler chicks were divided into four treatments (each treatment had three replicates) with 15 birds per replicate. The first treatment was the control, and the second, third, and fourth treatments were supplemented with 2%, 4%, and 6% dried alfalfa powder in the diet, respectively. The test was conducted to study different aspects of production performance, relative weights of carcass components, and internal organs. Results indicated that adding 2% and 4% alfalfa powder did not significantly differ from the control group for body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, all carcass parameters, and internal organs. However, adding 6% alfalfa powder significantly decreased performance parameters and lowered the dressing percentage compared with the control group. In conclusion, based on the results of the present study, adding 2% and 4% alfalfa powder to the diets had no adverse impact on production performance. Instead, it positively influenced dressing percentage and relative liver weight, enhancing digestive system functions and activity.
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