Effect of Ground Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum) as Feed Additive on the Performance of Broilers

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of ground black pepper as feed additive on the weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed cost to produce a kg gain in weight and morbidity and mortality rate of broilers. A total of 160 straight-run day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed to four treatments using the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times with ten birds per replicate. The birds were fed with the same basal diets (chick booster, starter and finisher). Black pepper (BP) was mixed to the basal diets at different levels: 0g (T₀), 5g (T₁), 10g (T₂) and 15g (T₃) per kilogram of commercial feed. The dietary treatments were fed for 35 days from day old.

There were no significant differences among treatments in the initial and final weights and gain in weight of broilers. However, highly significant differences were observed in the feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed cost per kilogram of broiler produced. The birds given 15g of ground black pepper per kg of commercial ration had the best feed conversion efficiency of 1.68 and least cost of feeds (Php 45.46) to produce a kilogram of weight. Apparently, no morbidity and mortality were incurred in the birds receiving this dietary treatment.

This study shows that the inclusion of ground black pepper at a rate of 15g/kg of commercial ration in broiler diet resulted in reduced feed intake, improved feed efficiency of broilers, lower feed cost per kilogram of broiler produced and better health performance.