Comparative Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate, Vitamin C and Oregano on Growth Performance and Heat Stress Responses of Finisher Broilers Raised During the Hot Season of Semi-arid Environment

Abstract

Background: Heat stress represents a significant environmental constraint to broiler chicken productivity, physiological homeostasis, and welfare, particularly in tropical regions. This study investigated the effects of selected dietary anti-stress supplements on the growth performance and physiological responses of finisher broiler chickens raised under hot environmental conditions in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 192 Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design, with three replicates of 16 birds each. The treatment 1 served as control diet without supplementation, while treatments 2, 3, and 4 were supplemented with sodium bicarbonate, vitamin C, and oregano, at 150g/100kg 100g/100kg and 200g/100kg of feeds respectively. Growth performance, mortality, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate were evaluated. Results: Dietary supplementation had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on growth performance parameters and rectal temperature. However, respiratory rate was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by dietary treatments, with birds supplemented with vitamin C and oregano exhibiting lower respiratory rates compared with the control group. The results indicate that vitamin C and oregano may improve physiological responses of heat stressed broiler finishers reared under hot environmental conditions. Conclusion: It could therefore, be concluded that dietary of Vitaminc and Oregano may serve as a useful nutritional strategy for supporting broiler finisher’s physiological response to heat stress during the hot season of semi-arid environment.