Portulaca Oleracea Leaves in Broiler Diets: Effect on Chicken Performance and Health

Abstract

Background: Portulaca oleracea L. which is commonly called purslane is a
herbaceous weed that is widely distributed throughout the world. Purslane is listed in the
World Health Organization as one oaf the most used medicinal plants. The purslane is the
richest vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin and
apigenin), vitamins A, C, E and minerals. To study the impact of using Portulaca oleracea in
boiler diet on performance and health of chicken. Method: Chemical composition of
Portulaca oleracea leaves was performed, then five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric
experimental broiler diets were formulated as MOL0%, POL5%, POL10%, POL15% and
POL20%, respectively and supplemented to broilers (10 chicks in each concentration) for
42 day. After 42nd day. Results: The chemical composition of Portulaca oleracea leaves
showed average proportions of crude fiber, crude lipids, crude protein, total sugars,
reducing sugar and non-reducing sugars. The highest effect of supplementation of
Portulaca oleracea poultry diets on body weight of broiler, was 2024, 2112 and 2341gm, of
treatments (10, 15 and 20% of POL), respectively. Also, the more effective treatment was
20% of POL of blood biochemical, lipid profile, Liver function and haematological
parameters, comparing with normal diets.