Single and Combined Effect of Plant Extracts (Ocimum sanctum and Silybum marianum) on Growth Performance of Broilers
Single and Combined Effect of Plant Extracts (Ocimum sanctum and Silybum marianum) on Growth Performance of Broilers
Mohammed Jard Kadhim*, Mohanad K. Ulsagheer
ABSTRACT
Ocimum sanctum, an annual fragrant herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family, is used for decoration, cooking, and medicinal purposes, particularly in ancient medicine for treating various diseases. Silybum marianum, another herbal supplement, is commonly used to treat stomach problems, lower blood cholesterol, and address liver issues. The present study involved 450 one-day-old Ross broiler chicks, which were employed in an experiment. The broilers were divided into six groups, each containing 75 chicks and three replicates, to examine the effects of plant extracts from Ocimum sanctum and Silybum marianum. The control group (T1) was given a basal diet, while the treatment groups (T2 and T3) were supplemented with Ocimum sanctum extract (5 and 10 g/kg), T4 and T5 with Silybum marianum extract (5 and 10 g/kg), and T6 with a combination of both extracts (5 g Ocimum sanctum + 5 g Silybum marianum). Results indicated a highly significant increase (P ≤ 0.01) in mean live body weight during the last two weeks of rearing (weeks 4 and 5) in treatments T5 and T6, which contained 10 g/kg of Silybum marianum and a combination of 5 g/kg Ocimum sanctum + 5 g/kg Silybum marianum, respectively, compared to the control group (T1). Weekly weight gain was similar across all groups during the first three weeks; however, in the fourth week, all treatment groups significantly outperformed compared to the T1. In the fifth week, treatments T5 and T6 showed superior weight gain compared to T1 and the other treatments. Feed consumption was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01) in T5 during the third, fourth, and fifth weeks compared to T1 and the other treatments. Furthermore, there was a highly significant improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the treated groups, particularly T5 and T6, compared to T1 during the second, fourth, and fifth weeks. The best productive performance at broiler chicken marketing age was achieved by adding 10 g/kg of Silybum marianum and 5 g/kg of each extract of Ocimum sanctum and Silybum marianum.
Keywords | Broiler, Growth, Ocimum saintum, Silybum marianum
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
