Effects of thyme volatile oils on performance of broiler chickens

Abstract, European Journal of Experimental Biology, 

Thymus vulgaris has been known as a strong growth stimulant and as a good alternative for chemical materials in poultry industry across the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate thymus vulgaris extract on growth performance parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred day-old male Ross 308 chicks were randomly distributed in two A (treatment) and B (control) groups with 3 replicates (50 birds per pen) and reared for 7 weeks. Diets and water offered ad libitum in each of two groups. Twenty percent extract of Thymus vulgaris by dose of 200cc/1000 liter, 12 hours a day, administrated a drinking water since 10 days old till slaughter. Chickens of two groups weighted weekly and feed consumption and Feed Conversion Ratio calculated. At the end of experiment total mortalities, total consumed feed 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. Comparison of feed consumption an Feed conversion Ratio in two groups showed significant differences (p<0.05) and in treatment group was lower than control group. Results of this study showed usefulness of thymus vulgaris in improving of growth performance parameters and reducing mortalities.

Keywords

Essential oils, Thyme extract, Growth performance parameters, Broilers