Leptin, adiponectin, biochemicals, metabolic hormones and performance characteristics of broiler administered with spices essential oil.

A study was conducted to evaluate adipokines, metabolic hormones and serum biochemicals of broiler chicken administered with essential oils (EO) of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and garlic. EO of the four spices were extracted by steam distillation using standard procedures. The EO were administered to 200 one- day-old unsexed broiler birds randomly allotted to five treatment groups (each of the four spices EO plus a control group) replicated 10 times in a completely randomized design. The spices EO were added to water consumed by the birds at 30 ml/L and standard diets were fed in a 42-day feed trial to determine weight changes and feed consumption. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected, serum obtained and were assayed for metabolic and biochemical indicators. Results obtained indicates that the weight gain trends shows that birds on cinnamon EO and garlic EO were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those on turmeric EO. Abdominal fat of birds on EO were significantly (p < 0.05) lesser than birds on control. Cholesterol of birds on EOs-based treatments were significantly (p < 0.05) lesser than birds on control. Triiodothyronine of birds were not significantly influenced by EOs. Insulin of birds on EOs were statistically (p < 0.05) reduced compared with those on control. Consumption of cinnamon EO significantly (p < 0.05) increased adiponectin of birds compared with garlic EO. Intake of garlic EO significantly (p < 0.05) enhance leptin of birds compared with cinnamon EO. This study suggests that cinnamon and garlic EO are potent oral phytogenic supplements to promote growth and lean yield in broiler chicken.