Effects of alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and health status of broiler chickens

Abstract

This study investigated the combined effects of alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) on growth performance, carcass yield, and hematological parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 160-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design: a control diet and three diets containing increasing combinations of both spices. During 49-day feeding trial, the birds receiving the highest combined inclusion consistently exhibited superior growth rates, greater feed intake, and improved nutrient utilization compared to the control. Carcass evaluation revealed noticeable enhancements in dressed weight and prime cuts, suggesting increased muscle accretion. Hematological indices indicated stable values for packed cell volume, red and white blood cell counts, while neutrophil counts increased and eosinophil counts decreased in spice-supplemented groups, reflecting potential immune benefits. However, hemoglobin levels declined slightly at higher supplementation levels of alligator pepper and black pepper, although the values remained within the physiological range. Thyroid hormones levels suggested that moderate supplementation could support thyroid activity, while other endocrine parameters remained unaffected. the combined inclusion of alligator pepper and black pepper in broiler diet enhanced growth performance, carcass quality, and immune-related blood indices without compromising health, revealing its possibility as a safe and natural growth-promoting alternative in poultry production.