Growth performance, carcass characteristics and lipid profile of broiler chickens fed with graded levels of roselle calyx (Hibiscus sabdariffa( L.)

The study evaluated the effect of graded levels of roselle calyx (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and lipid profile of broiler chickens. A total of 150 Arbor acre broiler birds were used for the six (6) weeks study and were randomly assigned to five treatments of thirty birds each, (T , T , T , T and T ) which had broiler chicks fedwith feed incorporatedwith roselle calyx as feed additive at0%, 0.5%,1%, 1.5%, and 2% respectively. The birds were further randomly sub-divided into three replicates of ten birds each using a completely randomized design. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was computed. At the end of the study, two birds were randomly selected fromeach replicate for the carcass characteristics and lipid profile evaluation. Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The result obtained showed that the initial weight, average daily feed intake, total feed intake and carcass characteristics were not significantly different across the treatment means while the final weight, total weight gain and total feed intake value were significantly differed with the highest value of final weight at T (1266.67g/b) and lowest value at T (1133.33g/b).Also, result for lipid profile of the broiler chickenmeat showed there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the values obtained for low density lipoprotein, such that birds in control (that were not fed roselle calyx) had the highest value (15.67g/L)low density lipoprotein. It was therefore concluded that the inclusion level of roselle calyx up to 2% in broiler chicken diet improved carcass characteristics and lipid profile.