Effect of Supplementation of Chinese Herbal Extracts in Drinking Water on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Immune Response in Broilers

The objective of current trial was to evaluate the effect of three Chinese herbal extracts (Rhubarb, Coptis chinensis and Codonopsison) supplementation in drinking water as alternative to antibiotics on performance and immune organs weight/index in growing broilers chicks.For this purpose, 300 days old broiler chicks were reared in floor pens and raised on commercial feed for 7 days for adaptation.After seven days, birds were distributed into five groups in such a way that each group contained 6 replicates and each replicate had 10 birds.All groups were fed commercial diet and offered water with or without additives.In control group drinking water was without any additives; In second group drinking water was supplemented with antibiotic (Flavomycin 10 mL/liter).The remaining three groups were supplemented with Rhubarb, C. chinensis, and Codonopsis extract @ 20 mL/liter, 15 mL/liter, and 10 mL/liter in drinking water, respectively.Results indicated improved growth performance in broiler had supplementation of Chinese herbal extracts in drinking water as compared to control (P < 0.05).A significant decrease in cholesterol and blood glucose was observed in those birds which had supplementation of Chinese herbs extracts in drinking water (P < 0.05).Moreover, Chinese herbs extracts in drinking water improved immune organ weight and immune indexes in broiler.It could be concluded that supplementation Chinese herbs extracts in drinking water had positive influence on growth performance, blood biochemistry and immune organs in broiler.