THE EFFECT OF INDIGENOUS SPICES (GINGER, GARLIC AND UTAZI) EXTRACT ON THE HEALTH STATUS AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Poultry production is an essential industry in the worldwide agricultural economy, especially with its impact on food security and income generation. Broilers, mostly cultivated for meat production, are esteemed for their swift development rates and effective feed conversion efficiency. Achieving optimal growth and sustaining the health of broilers necessitates effective nutritional management. For decades, antibiotics have served as growth promoters (AGPs) in broiler production, improving feed efficiency, enhancing growth performance, and decreasing mortality by preventing disease outbreaks. Although antibiotics offer advantages, their prolonged usage has generated apprehensions regarding antibiotic resistance, which presents considerable threats to human and animal health (Dibner & Richards, 2005).

In reaction to these issues, some nations, notably the European Union, have enacted prohibitions on the utilisation of antibiotics as growth enhancers in animal feed (Castanon, 2007). This has initiated the quest for natural, safe, and effective substitutes for antibiotics in poultry nutrition. Medicinal plants and indigenous spices have garnered significant interest as natural alternatives due to their abundant phytochemical composition and proven health benefits (Windisch et al., 2008). Spices include ginger (Zingiber officinale), garlic (Allium sativum), and Gongronema latifolium (utazi)(often referred to as utazi) are well-documented for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory attributes (Ghasemi et al., 2010). These attributes indicate possible functions in augmenting broiler growth performance, increasing immunological responses, and fostering overall health.

Ginger, a rhizome recognised for its pungent fragrance, is a prevalent culinary and medicinal herb containing bioactive components like gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone. Research indicates that ginger might beneficially affect feed consumption, digestion, and nutrient absorption, therefore improving the growth performance of broilers (Onu, 2010). Moreover, ginger has been shown to diminish lipid peroxidation and enhance the antioxidant status of avians, safeguarding them from oxidative stress (Zhang et al., 2009).

Garlic, an extensively researched spice, includes sulphur compounds like allicin, which have potent antibacterial and immune-enhancing activities (Elagib et al., 2013). Garlic supplementation in chicken has been linked to enhancements in weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and immunological responses, positioning it as a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (Issa & Omar, 2012). Furthermore, garlic has demonstrated the ability to lower blood cholesterol levels and improve liver function, hence enhancing general health in broilers (Demir et al., 2003).

Gongronema latifolium (utazi)(utazi), although less researched than ginger and garlic, is a climber plant extensively utilised in West Africa for its therapeutic attributes. Utazi, abundant in flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, is thought to possess anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities (Okafor et al., 2011). Recent research indicates its potential involvement in strengthening poultry health by augmenting immune responses and improving overall growth performance (Akinmoladun et al., 2018). Nonetheless, despite its intriguing promise, there exists a paucity of scientific data regarding its specific impacts on grill health and performance.

The investigation of these indigenous spices as feed additives corresponds with the increasing interest in natural alternatives to synthetic substances in animal husbandry. Natural feed additives, like phytobiotics, provide health advantages while satisfying the increasing customer demand for organic and antibiotic-free poultry products. The examination of these spices is essential for tackling the dual challenge of promoting sustainable chicken production and protecting public health through antibiotic-free animal husbandry.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The prohibition of antibiotics as growth enhancers in chicken feed has prompted the exploration of natural alternatives that can foster broiler growth and health without the concerns of antimicrobial resistance. Numerous options, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes, have been investigated; nevertheless, the utilisation of indigenous spices presents a novel strategy owing to their bioactive components and therapeutic attributes (Windisch et al., 2008). Ginger, garlic, and Gongronema latifolium (utazi)are distinguished among various spices for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which may improve the growth and health of broilers.

Notwithstanding the great potential of these spices, there exists a paucity of thorough study into their specific impacts on grill health and performance. The majority of studies have concentrated on individual spices in isolation, with less investigation into their synergistic effects or their influence on many health markers, including haematological and biochemical indices (Akinmoladun et al., 2018). Furthermore, whereas the impacts of garlic and ginger on broilers are well-documented, the potential of Gongronema latifolium (utazi)remains significantly underinvestigated.

This study seeks to address this gap by assessing the impact of three indigenous spices—ginger, garlic, and Gongronema latifolium—on the health and growth performance of broilers. This research will enhance the existing knowledge on natural antibiotic alternatives and offer significant insights for chicken breeders in pursuit of sustainable feed additives.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective

To investigate the effects of indigenous spices (ginger, garlic, and Gongronema latifolium) on the health status and growth performance of broilers.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To evaluate the effects of indigenous spices (Gongronema latifolium, ginger, and garlic) on the health status of broilers, including their haematological and serum biochemical indices.

2. To determine the effects of Gongronema latifolium (utazi)(utazi), Zingiber officinale (ginger), and Allium sativum (garlic) on the growth performance of broilers, including their feed intake, carcass characteristics, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio.

 

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the effects of Gongronema latifolium, ginger, and garlic on the health status of broilers?

2. How do these spices affect the haematological and biochemical indices of broilers?

3. What impact do these indigenous spices have on broiler growth performance, feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho1: Indigenous spices (Gongronema latifolium, ginger, and garlic) have no significant effect on the health status of broilers.

Ho2: There is no significant impact of these spices on the haematological and serum biochemical indices of broilers.

Ho3: Gongronema latifolium, ginger, and garlic do not significantly affect the growth performance of broilers.

 

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in the context of ongoing efforts to reduce the reliance on synthetic antibiotics in poultry production. By investigating the effects of ginger, garlic, and Gongronema latifolium, this research aims to provide evidence on the efficacy of indigenous spices as natural growth promoters and health enhancers. The findings will offer valuable insights to poultry farmers, feed manufacturers, and researchers exploring sustainable feed additives. Additionally, this study aligns with the global movement towards antibiotic-free meat production, which has both health and market benefits.

 

1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focuses on evaluating the effects of ginger, garlic, and Gongronema latifolium (utazi)on broiler health and growth performance in terms of haematological and serum biochemical indices, feed intake, carcass characteristics, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. The research will be conducted on a controlled population of broilers, with results potentially limited by environmental factors, breed variations, and the duration of the feeding trial.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Broilers: Chickens raised specifically for meat production.

Growth Performance: Metrics such as weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio used to assess the efficiency of broiler production.

Haematological Indices: Blood parameters used to evaluate the health and physiological status of broilers.

Serum Biochemical Indices: Biochemical components in the blood that indicate the health and metabolic status of animals.

Phytochemicals: Bioactive compounds in plants, such as flavonoids and saponins, that have health benefits.