EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF BIOCHAR SUPPLEMENTATION AS A GROWTH PROMOTER ON PRODUCTIVE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS

Abstract

: This study aimed to determine the effects of graded amounts of biochar supplementation on broiler chick production index, lipid profile, biomarkers of antioxidant status, carcass characteristics, and economic efficiency. A total of 216, seven-day-old, unsexed broiler chicks ( Arbor Acres ) were divided into six experimental groups (36 chicks each), each with six replicates (6 chicks each). The first group was fed the basal diet and served as control; while the 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th , and 6 th groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 % biochar, respectively. According to the data, treatment groups that added biochar levels of 1, 2, 4, and 6 % outperformed the control group in terms of productivity, economic efficiency, and production index. While it was at the same previous levels, total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were lowered. When compared to the control group, there were higher levels of glucose, thyroid hormones (T3-T4), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (within normal range). In conclusion, it can be concluded that adding biochar to the diet at levels of 1, 2, 4, and 6 % improved the physiological status and growth performance of broilers without having any negative impacts on the blood parameters of broiler chicks.