Effects of phytogenic supplementation on productive performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

The present study evaluated the feed additive containing essential oils of thyme and star anise from 1 to 42 D of age on growth performance, physiological parameters, carcass traits, intestinal bacterial community, antioxidant status of meat, and economic efficiency in broilers under Egyptian weather condition. Two hundred and seventy 1-day-old Indian River broiler chicks were randomly distributed in three groups and fed a basal diet for 42 D. The control (Co) group, T1 group, and T2 group were fed 0.0 mg/kg diet, 150 mg/kg diet, and 300 mg/kg diet, respectively. The highest final weight and weight gain were recorded by the T2 and T1 groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The feed intake was not affected by any of the treatments. Improvements in feed conversion ratio and mortality of chickens were recorded by the T2 group. Blood serum parameters were significantly affected by dietary treatments but remained within the normal range. Carcass characteristics were insignificantly different among groups. The scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical was significantly increased in the T2 group compared to the control group. The total bacterial counts, including Lactobacillus, were not affected significantly among groups. However, The Enterococcus counts were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T1 and T2 groups. European production efficiency factor was increased in T1 and T2 groups compared to the control group. This implied that the addition of essential oils of thyme and star anise had a positive effect on growth performance of broiler chickens.