The use of medicinal plants in the compound poultry feed

Federal Scientific Center “All-Russian Research and Technological Poultry Institute” of Russian Academy of Sciences

^* Corresponding author: egorova_t@vnitip.ru

Abstract

The experiments were carried out on 5 groups of cage housed broiler chickens of the Ross 308 cross aged from 1 to 35 days. It was found that dried chicory root, oregano, and common nettle are valuable additives in compound poultry feed. The addition of dried chicory root, oregano, and common nettle in amounts of 2 kg/t; 0.5 kg/t, and 2.0 kg/t, respectively, to broiler diets allows obtaining good livability (100%) and live bodyweight, as well as low feed conversion. In the experimental groups the dried medicinal plants were added to the feed without the use of in-feed antibiotics. It was statistically proven that the live bodyweight in broilers at the end of growing in the experimental groups was significantly in compare to control by 7.08-8.04%. This increase was accompanied by a decrease in feed conversion ratio by 10.33-10.45% due to improved digestibility and retention of dietary nutrients. With the introduction of dried medicinal plants into broiler feed, an increase in the protein content in the pectoral muscles by 1.31-1.56% and a decrease in fat content by 2.23-2.97% were found. The sensory quality of the roasted meat was good.