Agrotechnology

Estimation of feeding cost for different levels of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) for broilers

3^rd International Conference on Agriculture & Horticulture

October 27-29, 2014 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Ritesh Nikam, A G Mane, A N Kulkarni, B M Thombre and D R Tambe

Posters: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

Feed is a major component affecting net return from the poultry business, because 80 per cent of the total expenditure in terms of cash is spent on feed purchase. To ensure more net return and to minimize high expenditure on feed are the main challenges for which many research strategies such as introducing feed supplements and feed additives have been practiced. An experiment was conducted on 240 commercial broiler chicks i.e. day old (Ven Cobb Strain). The chicks were divided into four groups, each of three replicates of 20 chicks each. The chicks were kept in floor pens, water and feed were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period of 42 days. Four experimental diets were prepared, without any supplementation (T1) control, with supplementation of Aswagandha powder @ 5 kg/t of feed (T2),with supplementation of Shatavari powder @ 10kg/t of feed (T3) and with supplementation of Aswagandha and Shatavari @10kg/t of feed (T4). The cost of feed required to produce a kg live weight was lowest (Rs.36.11) for the control (T1) group as compared to (T2) group (Rs.38.31), (T3) group (Rs.37.01) and (T4) group(Rs 39.16).Net profit per bird for control T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups were Rs.33.35, Rs.29.09, Rs.34.2 and Rs. 27.5 respectively. It was concluded that supplementation of Shatavari powder @ 10 kg/t and Aswagandha 5 kg/t of feed was costly compared to control group.

Biography :

Ritesh Nikam has completed his MSc (Agri.) in discipline of Animal Husbandry from Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. Now he is persuing his PhD (Agri.) from Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (Maharashtra).