Effect of reserpine on the performance of broiler chicks

The effect was studied of tranquilizer reserpine on the performance of Hubbard chicks. The results can be summed up as follows: The supplementation with reserpine at levels of 0.25 and 0.5 ppm decreased the final body weight, and the growth depression was more pronounced at the higher doses. Supplementation by 0.25 ppm reserpine improved the feed efficiency as compared with the control group, whereas this efficiency deteriorated on supplementation with 0.5 ppm. The mortality rates were 13.5% for the control group and 0.0 and 2.7% for the groups with 0.25 and 0.5 ppm of reserpine, respectively. Reserpine supplementation had no significant effect on the percentage of the dressing carcass, edible giblets, feathers, head and feet.