The effect of Cynara scolymus powder on performance and ascites syndrome in broiler chickens

The effect of medicinal plant of Cynara scolymus (artichokes) were studied on ascites syndrome, systolic blood pressure and blood parameters in broiler chickens using a total of 400 one-day-old Ross 308 in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 20 chicks for each replicate, up to 42d under cold temperature condition. Experimental treatements were control (basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet plus 0.0015 percent antibiotic virginiamycin), aspirin (basal diet plus 0.2 percent aspirin powder) and two basal diets containing 1 and 2 percent artichoke powder. The results showed that feed intake and body weight were increased and feed conversion rate was decreased in artichoke powder received groups in comparison with other treatment (P