Evaluating the Effects of Thymus vulgaris Extract on Growth Performance Parameters in Broiler Chicken
Subject Areas : Journal of Large Animal Clinical Science Research(JLACSR)
Keywords: broiler chicken, Essential oils, Thyme extract, Growth performance parameters,
Abstract :
The Effects of Thymus vulgaris extract on growth performance parameters of broiler chicken are investigated in this study. Three hundred day-old male chicks, Ross 308, were randomly distributed into two groups named group A, a treatment group, and group B which is a control group with 3 replicates (50 birds per pen). Then, Chicks were raised for 7 weeks. Each of the two groups was supplied with diets and water. Twenty percent extract of Thymus vulgaris was administrated to chickens’ drinking water 12 hours a day with dose of 200cc/1000 liter. This was continued from day 10 till chicks were sent to slaughter house. Chickens of two groups weighted weekly and food consumption and Feed Conversion Ratio were calculated. At the end of experiment total mortalities, total consumed food and feed conversion ratio in treatment group (A) were significantly (p<0.05) lower than control group (B) while mean body weight in chickens of group A was significantly (p<0.05) higher than control (B) group. Comparing food consumption and feed conversion ratio in two groups showed significant differences (p<0.05); although, the above mentioned factors in treatment group was lower than control group. Results of this study showed the value of Thymus vulgaris in improving growth performance parameters and reducing mortalities.
1- Abd EI-Hakim, A. S., Cherian, G. and Ali, M. N. (2009): Use of Organic Acid, Herbs and Their Combination to Improve the Utilization of Commercial Low Protein Broiler Diets. International Journal of Poultry Science, 8(1): 14-20.
2- Al-Kassie, A. M. (2009): Ifluence of Two Plant extracts derived from Thyme and Cinnamon on broiler performance. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 29(4): 169-173.
3- Alcicek, A., Bozkurt, M. and Cabuk, M. (2004): The effect of a mixture of herbal essential oils, an organic acid or a probiotic on broiler performance. South African Journal of Animal Science, 34(4): 217-222.
4- Barbour, E. K., El-Hakim, R. G., Kaadi, M. S., Shaib, H. A., Gerges, D. D. and Nehme, P. A. (2006): Evaluation of the Histopathology of the Respiratory System in Essential Oil-Treated Broilers Following a Challenge With Mycoplasma gallisepticum and/or H9N2 Influenza Virus. The International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine, 4(4): 293-300.
5- Basílico, M. Z. and Basílico, J. C. (1999): Inhibitory effects of some spice essential oils on Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 growth and ochratoxin A production. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 29: 238-241.
6- Bassett, R. (2000): Oergano's positive impact on poultry production. World Poultry, 16: 31-34.
7- Botsoglou, N. A., Florou-Paneri, P., Christaki, E., Fletouris, D. J. and Spais, A. B. (2002): Effect of dietary oregano essential oil on performance of chickens and on iron-induced lipid oxidation of breast, thigh and abdominal fat tissues. British Poultry Science, 43(2): 223 - 230.
8- Burt, S. and Reinders, R. (2003): Antibacterial activity of selected plant essential oils against Escherichia coli O157:H7. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 36: 162-167.
9- Cross, D. E., Svoboda, K. H. K., Mcdevitt, R. and Acamovic, T. (2002): Effects of Thymus vulgaris L. Essential oils as an in vivo dietary supplement on chicken intestinal microflora. Prooceedings of 33rd International Symposium on Essential oils Lisbon, Portugal,3-7th Sept.
10- Dalkilic, B., Guler, T., Ertas, O. R. and Ciftci, M. (2005): The effect of Thyme and anise oils and antibiotic on total cecum coliform bacteria number. III. National Animal Nutrition Congress,7-10 September, Adana-Turkey,378-382.
11- Griggs, J. P. and Jacob, J. P. (2005): Alternatives to Antibiotics for Organic Poultry Production. Journal of Applied Poultry Reaserch, 14(4): 750-756.
12- Fernandez, F., Madrid, J., Garcia, V., Orengo, J. and Megias, M. (2004): Influence of two plant extracts on broilers performance, digestibility, and digestive organ size. Poultry Science, 83(2): 169-174.
13- Inouye, S., Takizawa, T. and Yamaguchi, H. (2001): Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their major constituents against respiratory tract pathogens by gaseous contact. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 47(5): 565-573.
14- Kamel, C. (2001): Tracing modes of action and the roles of plant extracts in non ruminants. In: Recent advances in animal nutrition. P. C. Garnsworthy and J. Wiseman. Nottingham University Press, Nottingham: 135-150.
15- Langhout, P. (2000): New additives for broiler chickens World Poultry, 16: 22-27.
16- Lee, K.-W., Everts, H., Kappert, H. J., Yeom, K.-H. and Beynen, A. C. (2003): Dietary Carvacrol Lowers Body Weight Gain but Improves Feed Conversion in Female Broiler Chickens. Journal of Applied Poultry Reaserch, 12(4): 394-399.
17- Lee, K. W., Everts, H. and Beynen, A. C. (2004): Essential oils in Broiler Nutrition. International Journal of Poultry Science, 3(12): 738-752.
18- Lee, K. W., Everts, H., Kappert, H. J., Wouterse, H., Frehner, M. and Beynen, A. C. (2004): Cinnamanaldehyde, but not thymol, counteracts the carboxymethyl cellulose-induced growth depression in female broiler chickens. International Journal of Poultry Science, 3(9): 608-612.
19- Losa, R. and Kohler, B. (2001): Prevention of colonization of the clostridium perfringens in broiler intestine by essential oils. 13th European Symposium on poultry nutririon,30 Sept-04 Oct, Blankenberge, Belgium,
20- NRC (1994): Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. 9th ed., National Academy Press, Washington DC, USA.
21- Ocak, N., Erener, G., Burak, F., Sungu, M., Altop, A. and Ozmen, A. (2008): Performance of broilers fed diets supplemented with dry peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) ot thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) leaves as growth promoter source. Czech Journal of Animal Science, 53(4): 169-175.
22- Taylor, D. J. (2001): Effects of antimicrobials and their alternatives. British Poultry Science, 42(1): 67-68.
23- Varel, V. H. (2002): Livestock manure odor abatement with plant-derived oils and nitrogen conservation with urease inhibitors: A review. J. Anim Sci., 80(E-Suppl_2): E1-7.
24- Voght, H. and Rauch, H. W. (1991): Der einsatz einzelner atherischer ole im geflugelmastfutter. Lanbauforschung Volkernrode, 41: 94-97.
_||_