Effects of Tribulus terrestris (Puncture Vine) supplementation on performance and digestive system of broiler chicks

The purpose of this study was to determine the possible effects of the herbal preparation Tribulus terrestris (TT) extract on muscle building (increase in breast and legs weight) in broiler chicks. One hundred eighty broiler chicks were assigned to three treatment groups; control, 180 ppm TT and 360 ppm TT extract. Body weight, body gain and dietary intake were determined weekly for 6 weeks. Control diet included 234 g crude protein (CP) and 3141 kcal ME (grower) per kg diet during 1-21 days of age and 204 g CP with 3199 kcal ME (finisher) per kg diet for 22-42 days of age. Growth performance, muscle building (increase in breast and legs weights) and digestive system parts were determined. TT extract did not affect growth performance and muscle building but decreased ileum + jejunum and empty gut weights (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present results showed that Tribulus terrestris had no effect on growth or muscle building. This may be TT extract do not work in birds as do in human subjects, and more likely, the physiological differences between human and bird.