Impact of Marjoram, Basil, and Thyme Supplementation on Behavior, Welfare Indices, and Immune Response of Commercial Broilers

Abstract

Natural plants have gained attention in their dietary supplementation of birds as antibiotic alternatives and growth promoters. This experiment aimed to study the effect of Origanum majorana, Ocimum basilicum, and Thymus vulgaris as feed-additives on the behavior, welfare, performance, some hematological, and biochemical parameters and immune response [against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV)]. A total of 80 healthy one day old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted into 4 groups according to ration; each group contained 20 birds divided into 2 replicates (10 birds each). The dietary treatments consisted of basal diet without additive (control) (G1), basal diet supplemented with 1% marjoram (G2), basal diet supplemented with 1% basil (G3), and basal diet supplemented with 1% thyme (G4). Results revealed that body weight and body weight gain were significantly improved in broilers supplemented with 1% basil and 1% thyme. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better in marjoram and thyme groups than others. Birds fed marjoram, basil, and thyme exhibited higher feeding, drinking, resting, and comfort behaviors than control birds. Control birds showed more walking, standing and preening behaviors than diet supplemented birds. Supplementation of diet with marjoram, basil, and thyme improved welfare (reduce stress and decrease fear responses). Total protein and globulin were significantly improved in supplemented groups. Basil and thyme increased hemoglobin concentrations. Supplemented birds had higher antibody titers against NDV than un-supplemented birds. It is concluded that herbal plants including marjoram, basil, and thyme had positive effects on commercial broilers’ behavior, welfare, performance, immune response and economy.