Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part B (2020)

Author(s): Muhammad Kure Hajara, Mohammed Aliyu-Paiko, Abafi Joseph and Umar Muazu

Abstract: Sixty day-old chickens were grouped into three; A, B and C. Group A, the control, received commercial diet only. Groups B and C were fed commercial diet, supplemented with 1 and 2% of Citrullus lanatus powder, respectively. Feed and water were offered ad libitum for 6 weeks. Water consumed was measured daily, birds and feed were weighed on a weekly basis. At the end of the experiment, results for feed consumption and feed conversion ratios were similar for all groups. The activity of superoxide dismutase increased statistically in group fed 2% WSP when compared to 0 and 1% WSP. From the results of this study, it may be concluded that Citrullus lanatus could improve the immune status of broilers and can be supplemented in feeds for broilers at 1 and 2% without interfering with the overall health and performance of the chickens.