Effects of Dietary supplementation of Ginseng By-Products on Growth Performance, Organ Weight and Blood Biochemical Characteristics in Broiler

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of dietary supplementation with ginseng berry, stems, and leaves on the growth performance, organ development, and blood biochemical characteristics of broilers. One hundred twenty one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to five groups: control (CON), ginseng berry 0.5% (GB1), ginseng berry 1.0% (GB2), ginseng stems and leaves 0.5% (GLS1), and ginseng stems and leaves 1.0% (GLS2). During the grower period (1–21 d), the body weight gain of all ginseng by-product fed groups was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the control group. During the finisher period (22–35 d), the feed intake in GLS2 was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in the other groups, but there was no significant difference in weight gain or feed conversion ratio. No significant differences were detected among treatments when the growth performance was analyzed throughout the entire period (1–35 d). There was no significant difference in the serum biochemical profile, except for blood glucose. Glucose levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in GLS groups, and tended to be lower in GB groups when compared to the control. Major organ weights showed no significant differences among treatment groups when compared to each other. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ginseng by-products may improve the early growth of broiler chickens and reduce blood glucose levels. (