| Abstract: |
This study aimed to assess the effect of supplementing Arbor Acre broiler chick diets with a blend of peppermint
and clove oils on growth efficiency, blood indicators, and intestinal microbial communities. In a randomized
experimental design, 250 unsexed, one-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were allocated into 5 groups. Each
group included 5 replicates, each containing 10 birds. The control group administered a basal diet devoid of oils,
whereas the remaining groups were provided with meals enriched with 150, 300, 450, or 600 mg/kg of the oil
blend. The findings indicated significant variations (P ≤ 0.05) among the treatment groups during weeks 3 to
6—supplementation with the oil blend led to increased body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG).
Compared to the control, birds receiving the oil consumed less feed intake (FI) and exhibited an improved feed
conversion ratio (FCR). Additionally, the oil-supplemented diets significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased abdominal fat
and altered the relative weights of the gizzard, giblets, spleen, thymus, and bursa. Except for hemoglobin, all
hematological indicators were substantially influenced by the oil supplementation. Biochemical analysis revealed
significant reductions (P ≤ 0.05) in serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST),
urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glucose. Conversely, total protein,
albumin, globulin, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Oil supplementation
also enhanced immune response and antioxidant enzyme activities, as evidenced by significant increases
(P ≤ 0.05) in total oxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and
catalase (CAT), along with a notable decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, birds fed diets
containing the oil blend exhibited changes in digestive enzyme activity and blood mineral levels. Microbiological
assessments showed decreased counts of Salmonella and E. coli in the oil-treated groups. In conclusion, dietary
supplementation with peppermint and clove oils improved growth performance, enhanced gut microbiota balance,
and positively influenced carcass traits and biochemical markers in broiler chickens.
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