Effect of Phytogenic Supplementation on the Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Exposed to Heat Stress

Phytogenics are known to mitigate the negative effects of high temperatures on livestock, by enhancing their antioxidant capacity, improving gut health, and modulating the immune system. High temperature affects production performance of broiler chickens; hence this can be mitigated by using phytogenics. This study evaluated the effect of three phytogenic supplements (A. digitata, C. annuum, and L. javanica) on heat-stressed broiler chickens reared under the deep litter system in a 6-week trial. A total of 144 one-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were used in the experiment. The birds were assigned to four treatments [i.e., C. annum, L. javanica, A. digitata, and control (untreated tap water)] in a Completely Randomised Design and each treatment (36 birds) was replicated three times. Results showed that phytogenic supplementation caused an increase (p<0.05) in carcass weight and yield, dressing out percentage, and wholesale cuts weight for birds supplemented with C. annuum followed by A. digitata compared with the control group. Broilers supplemented with L. javanica had significantly (p<0.05) lower carcass and wholesale cut weight but significantly (p<0.05) higher dressing out percentage and wholesale cut yield than the control group. Birds supplemented with C. annuum had significantly lower abdominal fat than other treatment groups. Supplementation of C. annuum and A. digitata improved carcass weight and yield.