Effect of Raw and Physical Processed Common Vetch (Vicia Sativa L.) Seed on Performance, Slaughter Traits and Some Blood Parameters in Broiler Chicks

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of inclusion of raw or physical treated (water-soaked and roasted) common vetch seed into broiler diets on performance, slaughter traits and some blood parameters. A total of 200 Ross- 308 broiler chicks, one day of age, were randomly allocated to four groups. Treatment groups were fed with basal diet (C) or diets containing of basal diet plus 20% raw vetch seed (RV), basal diet plus 20% water-soaked vetch seed (SV), basal diet plus 20% roasted vetch seed (RV) for 6 weeks. Diets were formulated isonitrogenous and isocaloric with all other nutrients recommended NRC requirements for broilers and given ad-libitum to treatment groups. During the trial, live weights and feed consumptions were weekly determined for performance traits, and blood samples were taken for analysis before slaughter. At the end of the experiment, 5 chicken were selected from each group to determine slaughter traits. Average daily live weight gain(g), daily feed intake(g) and feed conversion rate (kg feed / kg of weight gain) were 47.92, 46.65, 48.12, 47.30; 110.34, 100.51, 104.31, 105.25; 2.32, 2.26, 2.17, 2.22 for the K, CF, IF and KF groups, respectively. The effect of treatment on performance traits was insignificant (P>0.05). No significant differences were found among the groups in mortality (P> 0.05). Cholesterol, HDL and LDL from blood serum parameters were affected by treatment, but the effect of treatment on the other blood parameters and slaughter traits were not significant in present study. Consequently, the results from the present study indicated that soaked and roasted common vetch seed may be included the level of 20% as a protein source in broiler diets without adverse effect on the performance, slaughter traits and blood serum parametres.