Different Levels of Oregano (Origanum vulgari) Leaf Extract on the Growth Performance of Broilers (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Abstract

This research was conducted at Animal Science experimental area, DEBESMSCAT, Mandaon, Masbate. Ninety-six (96) head of Cobb day-old chicks were raised in twelve (12) broiler cages with eight (8) chicks in each cage. Four (4) treatments replicated three (3) times were randomly assigned to the cage birds using a completely randomized design (CRD) of experiment. The experimental treatments were as follows: Treatment A, 20 ml of Oregano leaf extract per liter of drinking water; Treatment B, 40 ml of Oregano leaf extract per liter of drinking water; Treatment C, 60 ml of Oregano leaf extract per liter of drinking water; and Treatment D, control (no addition of leaf extract in the drinking water). Broilers treated with 20 ml Oregano leaf extract per liter of drinking water had the highest body weights, body weight gains and improved feed conversion efficiency at 45 days of age. Although not significantly different, broilers treated with 60 ml Oregano leaf extract per liter of drinking water had slightly higher body weight, body weight gains but with significant feed consumption against the control. Broilers treated with 20 ml and 60 ml Oregano leaf extract per liter of drinking water had slightly higher net income as compared to the birds in the control treatment. Based on the results of this study, it is therefore recommended that broilers can be treated with 60 ml Oregano leaf extract per liter of drinking water to attain maximum overall performance. Further study may be conducted to obtain more conclusive results.