Evaluation of the potential of Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) in replacement of poultry growth stimulant antibiotics and environmental problems caused by their use

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of different levels of powdered dried aerial parts of Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) seeds on the performance and carcass traits of broiler chicks. In this experiment one hundred and sixty one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates (with 10 birds each). The experimental treatments included: 1) control group (without additive2) basal diet + 0.2% Ajowan powder, 3) basal diet + 0.4% Ajowan powder, and 4) basal diet + 0.6% Ajowan powder. Results showed that the levels of 0.2 and 0.4 % had no significant effect on daily weight gain, food intake and feed efficiency. Except for carcass weight, Ajowan had no significant effect on carcass characteristics. For blood parameters, the effects of Ajowan, in most cases, were non-significant. In contrast, plasma LDL and cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly with increasing levels of Ajowan powder. According to the obtained results, based on maintaining the bird's performance at the same levels as the control group and on the other hand improving the pattern of blood lipid metabolites, it can be said that Ajowan can be a good alternative to the growth-promoting antibiotic to improve health and solve the environmental problems in this area.