Abstract
The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of a natural herb extract on the general performance, carcass parameters and mortality of broiler chicks. A total of 720 one-day old chicks (Cobb 500) were used in the experiment and randomly partitioned into nine pens (80 chicks per pen). Three experimental diets (C: regular starter feed; CC plus: regular starter feed supplemented with chicken plus herbal extract; AFC plus: antibiotic-free diet supplemented with chicken plus) were assigned each to three randomly selected pens. The herbal extract was supplemented in drinking water at rate of 300 ml/cubic meter. Results showed that weights, feed conversion ratios (FCR) and dressing percentages (DP) increased (P < 0.05) in birds supplemented with herb extract compared to control birds. Mortalities and sudden deaths were minimized via herbal supplementation. However, herbal supplementation had no significant effects on carcass cuts and some visceral organs. The relative economic efficiency (REE) was up to 13% improved by the herb supplementation. It can be concluded that feeding the herbal extract has significant positive effects on broilers general performance as feed efficiency is increased by 11% and on mortality and sudden death cases.
Highlights
Since long time, antibiotics in animal feeds under intensive farming had positive impact onHow to cite this paper: Abo Omar, J., Hejazi, A. and Badran, R. (2016) Performance of Broilers Supplemented with Natural Herb Extract
The highest amount of food intake were in birds consuming the chicken plus compared to the control birds consuming the regular broiler diets
At age of 33 d birds supplemented with the herb extract ate 10 and 12% more feed compared to the control birds
Summary
Antibiotics (growth promoters) in animal feeds under intensive farming had positive impact onHow to cite this paper: Abo Omar, J., Hejazi, A. and Badran, R. (2016) Performance of Broilers Supplemented with Natural Herb Extract. Antibiotics (growth promoters) in animal feeds under intensive farming had positive impact on. A manipulation of gut function and microbial habitat of domestic animal with feed additives has been recognized as an important tool for improving growth performance and feed efficiency [1]. Herbal extracts are being used as feed additives to improve animal performance especially under the intensive management systems [3]. Both health status and general performance can be supported by plant extracts [4]-[9]. The positive impact on animals health and performance could be achieved through the stimulation of appetite and feed intake, the improvement of endogenous digestive enzyme secretion, activation of immune response and, antiviral, antioxidant and antihelminthic actions. Fenugreek benefits the digestive system [11]
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