First Screening of Thymus algeriensis (Lamiaceae) as Feed Additives on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Some Blood Parameters of Broiler Chickens

Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of thyme powder (Thymus algeriensis), as feed additive, on some zootechnical performances as well as hematobiochemical parameters of broilers. Methods: A total of 96 Cobb 500 broilers of one day of age, were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups and 4 replicates with 6 birds per pen were reared till 48 days of age. Treatments were: T1 fed witha basal diet without thyme powder (control group), T2, T3 and T4 were fed a basal diet supplement with 1%, 2% and 3% of thyme powder respectively. Weekly measurements were made of body weight and weight gain. On the forty-fifth day of the study, blood samples were collected in order to evaluate the blood profile and calculate the white blood cell percentage. Result: The inclusion of 3% thyme powder increased significantly broiler body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Birds of T4 increased significantly (P less than 0.05) their heart and thigh weight. Hematobiochemical parameters in broilers, particularly on levels of various white blood cell subtypes and uric acid levels.The use of this plant endemic to arid and semi-arid regions as a feed additive is considered an alternative to the use of antibiotic.