The Effect of Adding Different Levels of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) Powders on Certain Biochemical Blood Parameters in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This experiment was conducted on 45 birds of the ROSS strain, which were randomly assigned to three groups: a 0% control group (no additives), the second group received feed containing 0.2 g/kg of thyme powder, and the third group received feed containing 0.4 g/kg of camphor powder. The experiment continued until market age (45 days), during which blood samples were collected at slaughter.

The results showed no statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the addition of thyme and camphor and the average levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, GPT, and GOT, as well as total protein, albumin, and globulin. However, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in blood urea levels in the control group compared to the group receiving 0.4% camphor. The 0.4% camphor group also showed a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in alkaline phosphatase (ALK) levels compared to the other groups.

These results indicate that the addition of thyme powder and camphor at concentrations of 0.2% and 0.4% may not have a significant effect on most of the major biochemical indicators in broiler chicken blood and liver function, except for ALK, which increased with the higher camphor concentration. The increase in ALK enzyme levels warrants further investigation to understand the nature of this effect and its physiological implications. Overall, the study highlights the need for further research to assess the full effects of medicinal plants such as thyme and camphor as natural feed additives in the poultry industry, taking into account the concentrations used and various indicators of health and productivity.