Effects of a blend of essential oil compounds and benzoic acid on performance of broiler chickens as revealed by a meta-analysis of 4 growth trials in various locations

Poult Sci. 2012 Nov;91(11):2820-8. doi: 10.3382/ps.2012-02243.

Abstract

A series of growth trials with broiler chicks was conducted in various geographical locations to evaluate the efficacy of a novel eubiotic feed additive (EFA) at various dietary inclusion levels on performance of growing chicks. The EFA product consisted of a blend of essential oil compounds (thymol, eugenol, piperine) with benzoic acid, all belonging to the group of flavoring substances. Although variable in responses, the overall results indicated that 300 mg/kg of this EFA represented an optimum supplementation dose for generation of beneficial performance effects in broilers. A meta-analysis with all data from the 300 mg/kg EFA-supplemented treatments in comparison with the non-supplemented controls revealed that the eubiotic product significantly improved BW on d 21 (+2.0%; P = 0.0021) and on d 42 (+1.4%; P = 0.0151). Furthermore, the birds on the EFA 300 mg/kg treatment expressed a higher average daily gain in the starter phase (d 1-21; +2.1%; P = 0.0023) and over the entire experimental period (d 1-42; +1.5%; P = 0.0154). Feed conversion ratio was more favorable with dietary EFA supplementation (-0.6%; P = 0.0414), when compared with the control birds. Mortality was considered normal and was not affected by the dietary treatment (control = 3.09%; EFA 300 mg/kg = 3.26%). In conclusion, 300 mg/kg of this new eubiotic product demonstrated to effectively improve performance of broiler chicks under various husbandry conditions.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Animals
  • Benzoic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Benzoic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Chickens / growth & development*
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Male
  • Oils, Volatile / administration & dosage
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Oils, Volatile
  • Benzoic Acid