Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Seed on Carcass Traits, Nutrient Utilization, Cost Economics and Blood Biochemistry in Broiler Chicken

Abstract

A total of 200 male broiler chicks (Cobb 400) of one-day-old were fed a basal diet over a week. After one week, chicks were randomly allotted to five treatment groups in completely randomized design, i.e. one which were fed with the basal diet (control), and others fed with different levels (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10%) of safflower seed, respectively. Each treatment included five pens with eight chicks. The diet was formulated into two phases: starter phase (7-21d) and the finisher phase (22-42d). The carcass attributes were similar among the groups except abdominal fat. Abdominal fat was significant lower in treatment groups compared to control. The digestibility coefficient of crude fibre and crude protein was significantly different among the groups. Production cost of broiler birds was significantly different among the groups. Highest and lowest cost of live weight and dressed weight was found in 5% and 0% safflower seed groups, respectively. A significantly (P<0.01) increase in blood total protein and ALT levels in broilers fed with various levels of safflower seed was observed. The blood albumin, A:G ratio, creatinine and AST significantly (P<0.01) decreased with increasing levels of safflower in the diet. It was concluded that, safflower seed could be used as an oil seed source to decrease abdominal fat levels, improve nutrient utilization and blood biochemical parameters. © (2023), (Indian journals). All Rights Reserved.