Abstract:
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chicks to diets supplemented with different levels of mixed essential oils (Anise, Caraway) (1:1) on the performance, and carcass yield of broiler chicks. total of 120 seven days old, unsexed (Arber acker) broiler chicks were subjected to 42, days experimental period. Chicks were randomly divided into five groups of 24 chicks per each with three replicates each pen consist of 8 chicks for each group in complete randomize design (CRD) . Five experimental diets were formulated (A ,B ,C ,D , and E) as follows, diet A control (as negative control) , diet B was control diet supplemented with antibiotic (Neomycin 20mg/kg) (positive control), diets C, D, and E were control diet supplemented with mixed essential oils (MEO) at 200, 400, and 600g/kg respectively. Experimental parameters covered, growth performances, slaughter and carcass values. Results showed that supplementation of mixed essential oils to control diet significantly )p< 0.05( increased the body weight and body weight gain, however group fed on 600g/kg MEO recorded the highest values. For FCR, chicks fed on different levels of MEO recorded significantly )p< 0.05( the best FCR compared to both negative and positive control. Result also showed no significant)p˃ 0.05( difference in dressing percentage and giblet. As overall chicks fed on 600g/kg MEO recorded significantly )p< 0.05( heavy weight for different commercial cuts. Results obtained revealed that chicks fed on different levels of MEO showed very good in subjective (juiciness, color, tender and flavor) and objective of meat quality parameters, the chemical analysis of meat showed that crude protein increased with the increase of MEO level however, the ether extract, ash and acidity levels were decreased with the increase of MEO level in the diet. For economical evaluation all chicks groups fed on diets supplemented with different levels of MEO showed high profitability ratio.
These results were concluded that supplementing diets with mixed essential oils (anise and caraway), which improved chicks performance, could be interesting feed additives alternative to antibiotic and without any adverse effects.
