Nutritional Potential of Pumpkin Seeds as a Natural Feed Additive in Poultry Diets

Aims: To investigate the nutritional potential of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita maxima) as a natural feed additive in poultry diets, specifically evaluating their biochemical composition (e.g., crude protein, antioxidants, minerals) and efficacy as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in enhancing growth performance, feed efficiency, and overall health in broiler chicks. Study design: Randomized experimental design with control and treatment groups. Place and Duration of Study: Small Animals’ Laboratory, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, India, between January 2023 and March 2023. Methodology: Forty-eight day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups (n=12 per group, with four subgroups of three chicks each). The control group (T0) received a standard broiler diet. Treatment groups received the standard diet supplemented with pumpkin seeds powder at 0.25% (T1), 0.5% (T2), and 1% (T3). Broiler starter ration (22% CP, 2900 kcal/kg ME) was fed for the first three weeks, followed by finisher ration (19% CP, 3000 kcal/kg ME) in the fourth week. Weekly body weight, feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance at P<0.05. Results: Pumpkin seeds powder supplementation significantly improved growth performance. Mean weekly body weights were 590.49 g (T0), 582.49 g (T1), 580.78 g (T2), and 610.26 g (T3) (P<0.05). Weekly weight gains were 289.78 g (T0), 267.18 g (T1), 296.58 g (T2), and 311.91 g (T3) (P<0.05). Feed intake showed significant variations, with T3 exhibiting the highest efficiency. FCR improved significantly, with means of 1.80 (T0), 1.75 (T1), 1.71 (T2), and 1.68 (T3) (P<0.05). No adverse effects on health were observed. Conclusion: Pumpkin seeds, rich in crude protein (30.60%), antioxidants, and minerals (e.g., zinc, magnesium), serve as an effective natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters, enhancing broiler performance without residues.