ISSN 2360-7971
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of graded levels of Oregano leaf powder on growth performance of broiler chickens in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria. Using Completely Randomised Design (CRD), a total of 300-day old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four treatment groups consisting of 75 birds in each group. Each treatment was then sub-divided into 5 replicates consisting of 15 birds per replicate. T1, (15g Oregano), T2 (20g Oregano) T3 (25g Oregano) and T4 (0g Oregano) served as the control. The experiment lasted for 49 days. The air-dried Oregano leaves were processed into powder and its qualitative phytochemical composition was determined. Analysis the presence of Flavonoids and saponins in concentrated amounts, Tannins, Glycosides, Cardiac glycosides, Steroids, Saponin glycosides and Balsams in moderate amounts while Alkaloids and Volatile oils are in trace amounts. Anthraquinones were however not detected. Feed intake (FI), Body weight (BW), Body weight gain (BWG), Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and Mortality (M) were monitored. Results showed that FI, BW and BWG were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by inclusion level of Oregano powder among treatments compared with the control during all the experimental periods. Both during the starter (0-4weeks) and the finisher phase (5-7weeks) the inclusion of Oregano powder significantly (p>0.05) improved feed conversion ratio. The inclusion of 20g Oregano powder significantly (p>0.05) improved the LW, KW, PW and DW of the experimental broiler chickens. Primal cut and organs were also significantly (p>0.05) influenced by treatment levels and was better in T2. Oregano powder supplementation at 20g/100kg diets improved performance and its therefore recommended that, farmers should produce their chickens without antibiotics by using Oregano powder.
Keywords: Evaluation, Oregano leaf powder, Origanum vulgare, performance, Broiler, Chickens