Effect of a Commercial Blend of Essential Oils and Organic Acids on Growth Performance and Liver Function of Broiler Chickens

Résumé

Five hundred and forty (540) day old Ross broiler chicks were used in a feeding trial to evaluate the optimum levels of a commercial blend of essential oils and organic acids, Biostrong® Forte and the effects on growth and liver enzymes. The birds were randomly distributed into five treatments, each replicated thrice with 36 chicks in each replicate. T1 :control; T2, T3 and T4 had 50g, 75g and 100g Biostrong® Forte per 100kg feed respectively while T5 had Oxytetracycline. The five diets formulated and were supplied ad libitum to birds for 42 days. Growth parameters measured included final weight, weight gain, feed/gain ratio and feedcost/Kg weight gain. Blood samples were analysed for Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatise (ALP). Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means separated by DMRT. Final weight and weight gain were best for the 50g Biostrong® Forte per 100 Kg diet which compared with the antibiotic group. The cost of producing meat was similarly best for 50g Biostrong® Forte per 100 Kg diet, which was similar to the control. Highest cost of production was observed for the antibiotic group. Non-significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed for ALT and ALP. AST however significantly (P >0.05) differed across the treatments. The pattern of these liver enzymes in the blood of birds indicates a non-impairment in the health of the liver. It may be concluded that Biostrong® Forte, have positive and growth promoting effect on broiler chickensandtherefore can effectively replace antibiotics in broiler diets.