Document Type : Research Paper
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Abstract
In order to study the effect of Satureja hortensis essence on productive performance and intestinal microflora of broilers, an experiment was performed with 192 day-old chicks. At 6 d, birds were split into 16 groups (12 chicks) included 4 group for each treatment. The amount of Zero (control), 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm of Satureja hortensis essence were added to drinking water from 6 to 42 d. At 18, 28 and 38 d, a bird of each group were slaughtered and their ileosecalcontents were picked. CFU/g of Coliforms, E. coli and lactobacillus of samples were determined. Results indicated that control had the highest feed intakes (122.13), the lowest daily weight gain (60.36) and the highest feed conversion ratio (2.02; P<0.05). At 18, 28, and 38 d. the highest CFU/g of E.coli (6.36, 7.13 and 7.18, respectively) and the highest CFU/g of Coliforms (6.87, 7.37 and 7.44, respectively) were archived by control (P<0.05). CFU/g of lactobacillus was not affected by Satureja hortensis essence(P<0.05). The highest and lowest carcass ratio were obtained by Es150 and Es0, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion, theaddition of Satureja hortensis essence to drinking water of broiler is improved productive performance and decreased E.coli and Coliforms in gut.
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