Performance of Cobb 500 broiler chicks feed by Chamomile alcoholic extract

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of chamomile alcoholic extract on performance, some blood parameters and intestinal characteristics of broiler chicks. A total 320 one day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments. Treatments were further divided into 4 replicates. Chicks were fed a basal diet as control group, basal diet with 0.3% chamomile extract (S1), basal diet with 0.5% chamomile extracts (S2) and basal diet with 0.7% chamomile extract (S3). The experiment was carried out of 42 days. Feed intake FI and body weight gain BW was calculated for estimation of feed conversion ratio FCR. At the end of experimental period (42 days), to determine carcass traits and other parameters, 2 birds form each replicate were slaughtered. Additionally, the blood serum samples were subjected to biochemical analysis. For determination intestinal characteristics, small intestine tissues were collected. Data from this study showed that improvement of body weight gain and feed conversion were found in chamomile extract groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences between carcasses traits in treatments feed by chamomile extract. As result reveled from this study serum triglyceride, cholesterol LDL decreased in groups fed by chamomile alcoholic extract and HDL increased significantly (P<0.05) instead. In addition, villus height decreased in S1and S2 groups. An increasing crypt depth was seen on S2. According to these data villus widths, epithelium layer and goblet cells increased by using chamomile extract specially by using S2. In conclusion, we could demonstrate that chamomile alcoholic extract may be used as ingredient in broilers ration without harming effects on carcass characteristics, blood biochemical parameters, and intestinal morphology of Ross 308 broiler chicks.