title: The effect of volatile oil mixtures on the performance and ilio-caecal microflora of broiler chickens.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of rosemary, oregano and fennel volatile oil (FVO) supplementation on the performance and ilio-caecal bacteriological flora of broiler chickens. A total of 800 male Ross-308 broiler chickens were divided equally into 8 groups; each contained 100 chickens. The study included a control treatment (NC) with no dietary additives that was supplemented with oils according to the following 7 treatments: 200 mg α-tocopherol acetate/kg (PC), 100 mg oregano volatile oil (OVO)/kg, 100 mg rosemary volatile oil (RVO)/kg, 100 mg FVO/kg and an equal mixture of oregano+rosemary+fennel VO (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, VOM-1, VOM-2 and VOM-3, respectively). The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, dietary supplementation with α-tocopherol, oregano, rosemary and FVO and two different volatile oil mixtures (VOMs) (VOM-2; VOM-3) significantly increased the body weights (BWs) of broilers at 7, 14 and 21 d of age compared to the negative control (NC) (-) and VOM-1 groups. At 0-42 d, birds fed on VOM-3 were considerably heavier and also gained more weight than NC (-) and VOM-1 groups. The blend of VOs at 400 mg/kg significantly increased Lactobacillus spp. in faeces. The blends of oregano, rosemary and FVOs (VOM-3) at 400 mg/kg concentration and also VOM-3 group exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against coliform bacteria compared to the NC (-) group. In conclusion, the blend of oregano, rosemary and fennel VOs at higher concentrations (400 mg/kg concentration) in diets can be used to stimulate the growth and can improve the intestinal microbial balance (including a reduction of coliform bacteria and an increase in Lactobacillus spp. counts) of broiler chickens.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Uludag , Bursa , Turkey.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cetin
authors.affiliation: a Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Uludag , Bursa , Turkey.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yibar
authors.affiliation: b Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Uludag , Bursa , Turkey.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yesilbag
authors.affiliation: b Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Uludag , Bursa , Turkey.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cetin
authors.affiliation: b Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Uludag , Bursa , Turkey.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Cengiz
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002432:Cecum / Q000382:microbiology; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000382:microbiology*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome / Q000502:physiology*; D007085:Ilium / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils