Promoting of Growth in Ross 208 Chicken Broilers Following a Diet Based on Opuntia ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit

Background and Objective: Growth promoting antibiotics are widely used in modern chicken broiler breeding, however, their use is believed to be associated with many health risks, thus seeking other alternative products became more important. Through this study, we have tried to use the Oputia ficus indica (prickly pear) fruit as a phytobiotic in Ross 208 chicken Broilers. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 male Ross 208 chicks were divided into two experimental groups of 90 chicks each. An experimental diet supplemented with 10% of the prickly pear’s dried fruit was given to experimental group. Surveyed parameters in this study were the body weight evolution, the daily average of body weight gain, the daily average of food consumption and the consumption indices. Results: A significant (p<0.001) weight gain (9.48%) was recorded in experimental batch when compared to the control group by the end of the experimental period. The average daily body weight gain and the average daily food consumption in experimental batch were higher than the control group, by 10.30 and 17.7% respectively. Conclusion: Incorporation of Opuntia ficus indica fruit into the broiler chicken diet improved feed intake, weight gain, and zootechnical performance.