Effect of using Plantago ovata psyllium seed powder in the diet on productive performance and water consumption of broiler chickens

Abstract This study took place from January 13 to February 23, 2023, at the poultry field of the Office of Agricultural Research, Animal Resource Department, and Poultry Research Station. An average weight of 38.1 grams was employed in the experiment with 300 Ross 308 chicks that were one day old. Within a confined hallway with thirty chambers, the chicks were nurtured. With five treatments and five replications for every treatment, a total of ten birds were assigned at random to the chicks throughout the quarantine period. Both the food and the feeding schedule for the birds were balanced. The amount of psyllium in Plantago ovata seeds varied depending on the treatment (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5): 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% of the ration. Out of the experiment’s third, fourth, fifth, and sixth weeks, the average body weight of the T4 treatment was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control treatment and the remaining treatments. Comparing the T4 therapy to the control treatment and all other research treatments during the course of the trial, the findings likewise revealed a substantial increase (P < 0.05) in the rate of weight gain and consumption. The weekly feed conversion coefficient for each experimental treatment for comparison with the control treatment and for each experimental period shown a substantial improvement (P < 0.05) in the findings. Regarding the weekly water consumption rate, there were no appreciable variations across the testing treatments. After 42 days of raising broiler chicks, the study’s findings indicate that adding psyllium seed powder to broiler meals at a rate of 0.4-1% increased performance.