Our previous study demonstrated that fermented four-herb combination (Ulgum, Yagmomil, Maesil and Bokbunja) with probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis) (hence, this additives was designated PFH) have immune enhancing and antibacterial effects in broiler chickens. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of PFH on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. Twenty-day-old Ross broiler chickens were fed with or without PFH for 2 weeks. Body weight gain of the 2% PFH-fed group was significantly increased compared with those of the control group (*P<0.05). Moreover, body weight gain of the 1% PFH-fed group was also showed a increased tendency compared with the control group, although the difference was not significant (P=0.06). However, no significant difference in feed intake was observed among the groups. Feed conversion ratio of the 2% PFH-fed group was significantly decreased compared with those of the control group (*P <0.05). In addition, feed conversion ratio of the 1% PFH-fed group was also showed a slightly decreased tendency compared with the control group, although the difference was not significant (P=0.07). However, no significant differences in the proximate composition (moisture, crude fat, crude protein and crude ash) and the physico-chemical index (cooking loss, shearing force, water holding capacity and pH) were found among the groups. In addition, succulence, tending and flavor in meat of all 3 groups were also not different. Taken together, these findings suggest the possibility that PFH could be used as the alternative of antibiotic growth promoters by improving the performance of broiler chickens.

쪽 두 품종, 나주재래종과 나람블루를 사용하여 높은 생엽수량 및 색소함량을 얻기 위한 적정한 이식시기와 수확시기를 알아보고자 수행한 재배시험 결과, 대체적으로 두 품종 모두 비슷한 경향을 나타냈다. 이식시기가 늦을수록 생엽수량은 감소하는 경향을 보였으며, 이식시기 시험구간 다소 차이가 있었지만 니람이나 색소함량은 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 수확시기가 늦어질수록 초장, 분지수, 생엽수량은 증가하는 경향을 보였지만, 니람함량은 8월 20일까지증가하다가 이후 정체하거나 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 수확시기에 따른 인디고 함량 변화는 8월 5일에 가장 높은 함량을 보였고 이후 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 따라서 쪽 재배에서 높은 생엽수량과 색소함량을 얻기 위해서는 가능한 이르게 이식하는 것이 좋으며 8월 초순경에 수확하는 것이 유리한 것으로 판단되었다.