The effect of feed Supplementation with Cannabis sativa on the Growth rate and Development of Broiler Chicks

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of broiler feed supplementation with dry powdered Cannabis sativa on the growth performance of broiler chicks. A total of 25 day-old broiler chicks of similar weight were randomly divided into five equal groups (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Each group having 5 chicks. Dry ground Cannabis sativa powder were added to the feed of groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 at the rate of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8% respectively per kg of feed, while group 1 served as control. The studied parameters were body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). After an experimental period of 28 days, the data were analyzed statistically. It was revealed from the results that feed intake and body weight gain was significantly higher (P<0.05) in group 5 compared to the control. FCR was significantly better in birds of group 5 compared to controls. Return per chick (in Naira) was lower in group 5 compared to group 2, 3 and 4 (P<0.05) due to the high cost of Cannabis sativa. It was concluded from these results that feed supplementation with Cannabis sativa has a remarkable impact on the growth rate and development of broiler chicks but may not be the best of option due to its restriction and cost Keywords: Broilers, Cannabis sativa, Feed intake, Weight gain, FCR.