Levels of oregano (Origanum vulgare) in the diet and its influence on the productive performance of the broiler

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the optimum level of oregano (Origanun vulgare) in the diet on the productive performance of broilers. A total of 120 1-day-old male chickens from the Cobb-500 line were randomly distributed in four treatments: 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of dried and ground oregano in the diets. The final bodyweight, feed consumption and feed conversion were determined. Data was analysed by an analysis of variance through a completely randomized design and the Tukey test for the comparison of means. The polynomial regression and the derivative of a quadratic function were used to find the optimum level of oregano in the variables. The levels of oregano influenced bodyweight, feed consumption and feed conversion (p<0.05), denoting a quadratic effect. On average, the optimum level of oregano in the diet was 0.71%.