15. Effect of phytobiotic supplementation on growth performance, blood profile and immunity of broiler chicks

Abstract

Phytobiotics are plant derived bioactive compounds, including herbs, spices, essential oils (EOs) and oleoresins. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of phytobiotic supplementation (combination of Oregano and Thyme EO) at different dosages on growth performance, blood profile and immunity of broiler chicks. One-day old, 48 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups based on the dosage of essential oils; T_o (control group), T₁, T₂ and T₃ received Oregano EO + Thyme EO at 100+100, 200+200 and 300+300 mg/kg of diet respectively. All chicks were maintained under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity and light hours for 45 days. Feed conversion ratio and weight gain were calculated fortnightly for six weeks. Blood samples were collected on 15^th, 30^th and 45^th day. Results indicated that EOs enhanced growth performance and reduced FCR. The highest weight of 2536.33±40.80g and lowest FCR 2.00±0.05 were recorded on 45^th day. Measured blood parameters were also increased in all treatment groups as compared to the control group. High antibody titer was reported against Newcastle Disease Virus and Infectious Bursal Disease. Among all treated groups, the combined dose of EOs at T₂ level resulted in the highest weight gain followed by T_3, T₁ and the lowest in T_o. The present study revealed that Oregano and Thyme EOs as dietary supplements significantly (p<0.05) improved the overall performance of broiler chicks and can be used as growth promoters. However, further studies are required to determine the combined effects of Oregano Thyme EOs on meat and yolk quality.

Keywords: Blood Profile; Growth Performance; ELISA; Oregano Essential Oil; Phytobiotics; Thyme Essential Oil

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2023.120018