The effects of probiotics, Thymus vulgaris L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. on blood parameters, immune response, carcass characteristics and performance of broiler

In this study, the effect of probiotics, extract powder of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) were investigated on blood parameters, immune response, carcass characteristics and performance of broilers. Three hundred and thirty six broiler chicks (Ross 308) were housed in a completely randomized design with six treatments, four replicates and 14 birds in each experimental unit and reared on litter for 42 days. The treatments consisted of 1) basal diet probiotic Hyprozyme, 2) basal diet Bactocell, 3) basal diet Prophyt (extract powder thyme Hyprozyme licorice), 4) basal diet Phytobiotic (extract powder thyme licorice), 5) control and 6) basal diet antibiotic. The experimental diets were fed from day one until end of the experiment (day 42). Statistical analysis of data showed significant difference (P≤0.05) of FCR in probiotic Hyprozyme group ratio compared to the control group. Feed consumption was lowest (P≤0.05) in treatment 1 compared to others. The treatments had no significant effect on carcass characteristics. The relative weight of bursa Fabricius in antibiotic supplemented group was significantly different with treatment 3 (P≤0.05). Statistical analysis of the results showed significant difference (P≤0.05) of serum cholesterol in Bactocell group compared to control group. Addition of Haprozym to basal diet significantly increased (P≤0.05) the total protein and triglyceride levels compared to control group. Serum globulin was statistically higher (P≤0.05) in treatments 1, 3 and 4 compared to control group. The highest antibody titer against SRBC was observed in Bactocell group compared to control group (P≤0.05). Overall, it can be stated that the use of resources such as hypro-zyme (732gr/ton) and phytobiotic can be introduced as antibiotic alternatives in poultry production.