Effect of different Pomegranate seed pulp levels on performance traits and some blood parameters of broilers

In a study the effect of different levels of Pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) on performance traits and some blood parameters of broilers were determined. Pomegranate seed pulp was used in 0, 1, 2,, , 5 and 6 % of feed from days 1 to 42. Two hundreds and eighty one day old Ross male broilers with a completely randomized design were assigned to 7 treatments, with 4 replicates of 10 birds each. In the end of experimental period, after skin removal, carcass weight, edible and inedible internal organs weights were measured. On day 42, two birds from each replicate were killed and blood samples for determining triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL and HDL concentrations were obtained. The results showed that there were no significant differences between treatments on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight, edible and inedible internal organs. Also, there were no significant differences between treatments for triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL (P>0.05). The weight percentage of gizzard for treatment having 5 PSP % (2.63 mM) showed to be significantly different from that of the control (2 mM) (P<0.05). Based on the results obtained addition of Pomegranate seed pulp to diet had no significant effect on performance traits of broilers; therefore, this byproduct, particularly where available, can be used up to 6 % in broiler's diet.