Comparison of the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica powder on growth performance and serum parameters of the Broiler Chicken in Algeria

In Algeria, the ingredients used in the broiler feed are exclusively imported from abroad, which affects negatively the production cost of the chicken meat and its sale price in the market at national level. Because of the wide diversity in soil and climate, Algeria has a substantial number of plants which can be used in animal feed. This work is part of the valuation of the feed potential of the barbaric fig tree, widely present in the Algerian rural landscape, for the broiler chicken. The Opuntia ficus-indica is known for its edible fruits and for use of its fleshy leaves or “racquets” as fodder especially during periods of drought. It is also used to control the water and wind erosion as well as for the protection and improvement of soil fertility in arid and semi-arid regions. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica powder on growth performance, serum composition and carcass yield of broiler chickens. The experiments were performed in a private poultry farm in the Chemini region (Wilaya de Bejaia). In this study, 120 Ross-308 day-old male chicks were monitored. They were divided in 3 groups (Group 1, 2 and 3) according to the specific diet (4 x 10 chicks / group). The group 1 was offered commercial feed. The group 2 and group 3 were offered the same commercial feed as group 1 but 5% and 10% of the commercial feed was replaced by the Opuntia ficus-indica powder respectively. The Opuntia ficus-indica powder did not show any negative effect (p>0.05) on the final body-weight, average daily gain and carcass yield. However, it decreased (p<0.05) the biochemical parameters -blood concentration- (plasma glucose, uremia, cholesterol and triglycerides).
In conclusion, the Opuntia ficus-indica powder has the potential to be used in poultry feed to reduce the cost of broiler feed in Algeria