Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on the Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Immune Response of Broiler Chicken

Introduction: Phytogenic substances encompass materials sourced from plants, including spices, herbs, essential oils, and various plant extracts. These materials have been employed for millennia as natural remedies, owing to their distinctive properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seed powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and immune response of broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A total of 250 one-day-old broiler chicks of mixed sex (Ross 307) were randomly distributed into five treatments with five replicates. The basal diet was formulated to meet broiler chickens' nutrient requirements. Chickens in treatment 1 (T1) received a basal diet, while T2, T3, T4, and T5 were fed with the same diet of date palm seed powder at 100 g, 200 g, 300 g, and 400 g per kg, respectively. Chickens had unlimited access to feed and clean water throughout the 42 days of the experimental period. Parameters, including growth performance, carcass characteristics, and immune response of broiler chickens were examined during the study. Phytochemical examination indicated that date palm seed powder contained phenol at 340.92 mg/g followed by flavonoids (205.67 mg/g), terpenoids (112.81 mg/g), tannins (96.73 mg/g), saponins (41.64 mg/g), alkaloids (30.57 mg/g), and steroids (21.68 mg/g). Results: The treatment significantly influenced average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Chickens fed with date palm seed powder had a higher average body weight, feed conversion ratio, and feed intake compared to the control group. Dressing percentage, slaughtered weight, and edible organ weights were higher in T5 compared to other groups. Conclusion: Date seed powder can be incorporated into broiler chickens' diets up to 400g/kg without negative impacts on the chickens’ performance.