Effect of different levels of Fenugreek powder supplementation on performance, Influenza, Sheep red blood cell, New Castle diseases anti-body titer and intestinal microbial flora on Cobb 500 broiler chicks

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using fenugreek powder on performance, some immune parameters and intestinal micro-flora on broiler chicks. A total of 320 one day Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided and assigned into 4 groups and 5 replicates of 16 birds each. Chicks were fed by basal diet as control, 3 levels (0.7, 1.4 and 2.8 percentage) of fenugreek powder respectively. During the experimental period feed intake (FI), body weight gains (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Also, after 30 and 38 days last, the blood samples were taken from wing vein to evaluate the sheep red blood cell (SRBC) and anti-body against Influenza and New castle disease vaccine (ND). For evaluation carcass traits 4 birds of the same weight in each group were slaughtered, separated and weighed. The result obtained from this study showed that the highest FI related to the fenugreek powder and highest BW was seen in the groups that the fed by 2.8 % powder. Also, there were significant differences between treatments about FCR (p≤0.05). The SRBC, ND and Influenza titer as an immune system was for 2.8 % fenugreek powder respectively. The carcass evaluation mentioned that the highest carcass percentage was for 2.8 % fenugreek powder and there were significant differences between groups about intestine and gizzard percentage. The results showed that different levels of fenugreek powder used in experimental broilers had significant effects on intestinal microbial population. We also concluded that fenugreek powder at the present levels can enhance body performance, some carcass visceral percentage, some immune system parameters titer in Cobb 500 broiler chicks. Keyword: Broiler, Fenugreek, Performance, Immune system, Intestinal microbial population.