EFFECT OF OREGANO (Oregano vulgaris) SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD PARAMETERS OF ROSS BROILER CHICKENS REARED UNDER HEAT STRESS CONDITIONS

Abstract

One hundred and sixty (21 day old ) (Ross) broiler chicken were kept in floor pens following completely randomized design for 3 weeks during summer season (19/May to 29/June /2009)the birds were divided into four groups ,(4 replicate each with 10 birds) . The Oregano grandeurs was added at the rate of (0 ,2.5 , 5.0 ,and 7.5 g/kg diet )during the experimental period in respective broiler groups . Results indicated that body weight , weight gain , feed conversion and dressing percentage were not effected with Oregano supplementation in all groups , whereas feed intake was increased and number of dead birds were decreased with supplementation of Oregano in all broiler groups . Blood picture showed that the red and white blood cells count , packed cells volume , hemoglobin concentration and total protein concentration was higher (p≤ 0.05)in Oregano supplemented. However uric acid concentration and enzymes activity (G O T and G P T ) lowered (p≤ 0.05) with oregano supplementation in all groups . Based on the findings of the present study it was concluded that Oregano supplementation was effective in improving blood parameters of broiler under heat stress conditions.